The Board can take a variety of actions. During the review process, the board will protect your identity unless you consent to have it disclosed. In most cases, disclosing your identity is necessary to assist the board in investigating your complaint, since veterinarians must respond to specific complaints rather than to general accusations. The length of time to complete the complaint process varies widely. Complex complaints may require the Board to refer the complaint to the Attorney General's Office for investigation.
Some reviews move very quickly, others often take months or years.
You can contact the Board staff at any time. However, because of the State data privacy laws, little information can be provided during the investigation. The Board will notify you as to the disposition of your complaint when the investigation and review process is completed. The Board receives some complaints that do not lead to action against veterinarians. The Board cannot take action against a veterinarian unless there is clear and convincing evidence to show that the veterinarian violated Minnesota's Veterinary Practice Act.