"Unprofessional conduct" includes, in addition to the definitions in Section 58-1-501:
(a)
applying unsanitary methods or procedures in the treatment of any animal, contrary to rules adopted by the board and approved by the division;
(b)
procuring any fee or recompense on the assurance that a manifestly incurable diseased condition of the body of an animal can be permanently cured;
(c)
selling any biologics containing living or dead organisms or products or such organisms, except in a manner which will prevent indiscriminate use of such biologics;
(d)
swearing falsely in any testimony or affidavit, relating to, or in the course of, the practice of veterinary medicine, surgery, or dentistry;
(e)
willful failure to report any dangerous, infectious, or contagious disease, as required by law;
(f)
willful failure to report the results of any medical tests, as required by law, or rule adopted pursuant to law;
(g)
violating Chapter 37, Controlled Substances, or Title 76, Chapter 18, Part 2, Offenses Concerning Controlled Substances;
(h)
delegating to unlicensed assistive personnel:
(i)
a task that violates the standards of the profession or Subsection (2); or
(ii)
the administration of anesthesia or sedation if the delegating veterinarian is not providing direct supervision of the administration; and
(i)
making any unsubstantiated claim of superiority in training or skill as a veterinarian in the performance of professional services.
(2)
(a)
"Unprofessional conduct" does not include the following:
(i)
delegating to a veterinary technologist, while under the indirect supervision of a veterinarian, patient care and treatment that requires a technical understanding of veterinary medicine if written or oral instructions are provided to the technologist by the veterinarian;
(ii)
delegating to a state certified veterinary technician or a veterinary technician, while under the direct or indirect supervision of a veterinarian, patient care and treatment that requires a technical understanding of veterinary medicine if the veterinarian provides written or oral instructions to the state certified veterinary technician;
(iii)
delegating to a veterinary assistant, under the immediate supervision of a licensed veterinarian, tasks that are consistent with the standards and ethics of the profession;
(iv)
delegating to an individual described in Subsection 58-28-307(16), under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian, the administration of a sedative drug for teeth floating; or
(v)
discussing the effects of the following on an animal with the owner of an animal:
(A)
a cannabinoid or industrial hemp product, as those terms are defined in Section 4-41-102; or
(B)
THC or medical cannabis, as those terms are defined in Section 26B-4-201.
(b)
The delegation of tasks permitted under Subsections (2)(a)(i) through (iv) does not include:
(i)
diagnosing;
(ii)
prognosing;
(iii)
surgery; or
(iv)
prescribing drugs, medicines, or appliances.
(3)
Notwithstanding any provision of this section, a veterinarian is not prohibited from engaging in a discussion described in Subsection (2)(a)(v).
Section 58-28-502 ("Unprofessional conduct.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Utah § 58-28-502?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 58-28-502" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Utah law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.
How does Utah § 58-28-502 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
