The mission of the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners is to protect human and animal health and welfare.  Toward that end, the Board inspects every licensed veterinary hospital at least once every two years, though most are done every 18 months, to ensure they all meet minimum standards of sanitation. Every hospital must pass the inspection to maintain a valid license. If problem areas are discovered during an inspection, the Board can levy civil penalties against the owners and order them to fix the problems. (Note: The Board does not inspect or have jurisdiction over private kennels or rescue organizations.) 

Veterinarians are required to follow certain standards in the way they (1) manage controlled dangerous substances; (2) issue prescriptions; and (3) dispense federal legend or veterinary prescription drugs. The permits required to dispense these medications are administered by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene which is also responsible for inspecting CDS logs at veterinary facilities. Board inspectors, however, also review the logs not only to help facilities keep accurate records but to help ensure that these drugs are not being abused or stolen by veterinarians, employees or clients. The Board can sanction hospitals for poor record keeping and refer a facility to DHMH for further audit. See sample CDS logs.