Texas Veterinarians & the Professional Recovery Network

The Professional Recovery Network, or PRN, is the official peer assistance program for licensed veterinarians in the state of Texas. While this program was originally created just for pharmacists, it has since expanded to serve veterinarians as well. While not officially a part of the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, the Professional Recovery Network works closely with this board in order to monitor veterinarians who participate in the PRN or those who were referred to the board.

The Professional Recovery Network was established in order to help provide support for professionals in Texas struggling with substance abuse problems or those who were experiencing mental health concerns. There are several ways in which a veterinarian can become associated with the PRN. In many cases, a licensed veterinarian will receive a private, non-board referral that can come from a friend, colleague, or employer. Veterinarians may also issue a self-referral to seek assistance. In other cases, the referral will be an order issued by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, and this type of referral is public.

While the stated mission of the PRN is to support and assist veterinarians who are struggling with substance abuse or mental health concerns, they are also charged with protecting the public; if they believe that a veterinarian poses a risk to patients or to the safety of the public in general, they may refer a veterinarian to their board.

Licensees should take even early interactions with the Professional Recovery Network extremely seriously, as these first meetings will include the gathering of a lot of important information that will be used by the PRN to create an overall impression of the licensee.

As such, if you are a Texas veterinarian and you have been contacted by the PRN, or if you are considering self-referring to the PRN, you need to make sure you have an experienced attorney on your side. If you wait too long, you could do irreparable damage to your case and your future. At the Leichter Law Firm PC, we have experience working with the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners as well as the PRN, and we know exactly what to do to protect your rights and your license. Call us today at 512.495.9995 to learn more about what we may be able to do for you.