REPORT ON ASBVME MEETING: Though it was a long day at the ASBVME meeting in Montgomery, it was a rewarding one. AVRAL members from across the state who seldom get to see each other in person were able to spend quality time together as we waited to hear the Boards ruling in the 29 charges they filed against their fellow board member and Alabama Spay/Neuter (low cost nonprofit clinic in Birmingham) veterinarian Dr. Margaret Ferrell. Given the Boards history, we were prepared for them to find her guilty on all charges. They did not. In fact, as they read the verdict on each of the 29 charges, at times they complimented Dr. Ferrell on her competency and collegiality. They found her NOT GUILTY on 26 of the charges (they were unanimous). They were unanimous in their verdicts of guilty on charges #10, #17, and #27. We could sense tension in the room when these guilty verdicts were read. But the penalties for the guilty verdicts were relatively minor: two letters of admonition and a fine of $250. She remains on the ASBVME board (thank goodness) and retains her veterinary license. So what does the Board believe Ferrell is guilty of? Charge #10 refers to completing regular inventories of controlled substances and making a biennial inventory report available for inspection. The Board argued that Ferrell has not made inventories of controlled substances available. Charge #17 seemed to startle Ferrell a bit. The Board argued that Ferrell allowed unlicensed persons to vaccinate animals and provide treatment without supervision. They cited a specific violation on this charge: allowing unlicensed personnel to administer rabies shots. Ferrell clearly disagreed and immediately consulted with her attorney, who seemed to encourage her to let it go for now (she can appeal later if she so chooses). Charge #27 focused on the Boards claim that Ferrell practiced at the Alabama Spay/Neuter Clinic at times when the facility did not have a premise permit (the same charge leveled against her colleague, Dr. William Weber). My overall impression of the outcome is positive, though Im sure we all would prefer she had been found not guilty on all counts. This Board is not the same one that relentlessly attacked Dr. Weber and suspended his license (he is appealing). Some members rotated off and new ones were appointed (among them, Ferrell). The energy in the room seemed more positive and there appeared to be an emphasis on polite, civil discourse. Maybe theres hope? Too early to tell. We were honored to be there to support Dr. Ferrell. She conducted herself with impressive professionalism and dignity and is undoubtedly a tremendous asset to Alabamas veterinary community. She thanked us for our support and we were glad to give it. We missed those of you who could not attend but felt you were with us in spirit. Im still trying to digest the bizarre newsletter distributed by ALVPOA and will address their rant against AVRAL and other animal advocates in an email to you next week. At the moment, Im having a hard time making sense of it because its the best comedy Ive read in ages and I simply cannot stop laughing. Havent read it yet? Ill share with you. In the meantime, let me assure you that you are not a rabid activist, you are not a radical extremist, you likely are not a Communist, and Im pretty sure you do not suffer from Vet Envy. Yeah, its a must-read. Unbelievable. All best, Dr. Rhonda Parker, State Chair, AVRAL
Posted on: Sat, 17 Jan 2015 04:36:14 +0000
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