TITLE XL AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY
CHAPTER 427 LIVESTOCK AND MEAT INSPECTION
Meat Inspection
Section 427:14-b
427:14-b Disciplinary Action, Certified Meat Inspectors. –
I. The commissioner may undertake disciplinary proceedings:
(a) Upon his or her own initiative; or
(b) Upon written complaint of any person which charges that an establishment or a person certified by the commissioner has committed misconduct under paragraph II and which specifies the grounds therefor.
II. The commissioner, after notice and the opportunity to be heard, may refuse to issue a certificate or impose sanctions against a certificate holder, when he or she has evidence that the certificate holder or applicant has engaged in professional misconduct. Misconduct sufficient to support adverse action shall include:
(a) The practice of fraud or deceit in procuring or attempting to procure or renew a certificate to practice under this subdivision.
(b) Conviction of a felony or any offense involving moral turpitude.
(c) Unprofessional, unethical, or dishonorable conduct unworthy of, and affecting the practice of meat inspection.
(d) Unfitness or incompetency by reason of negligent habits or other causes, or negligent or willful acts performed in a manner inconsistent with the interests of persons relying on the expertise of the licensee.
(e) Addiction to the use of alcohol or other habit-forming drugs to a degree which renders the certificate holder unfit to practice under this subdivision.
(f) Mental or physical incompetency to practice under this subdivision.
(g) Willful or repeated violation of the provisions of this subdivision.
(h) Suspension or revocation of a license or certification, similar to one issued under this subdivision, in another jurisdiction and which has not been reinstated.
(i) Providing false testimony before the commissioner.
(j) Knowingly making or signing any false statement, certificate, or affidavit in connection with the practice of meat inspection.
III. The commissioner may take disciplinary action in any one or more of the following ways:
(a) By reprimand.
(b) By suspension, limitation, or restriction of a certificate to practice meat inspection for a period of up to 5 years.
(c) By revocation of a certification.
(d) By requiring the person to participate in a program of continuing education in the area or areas in which he or she has been found deficient.
(e) By requiring the certificate holder to practice under supervision for a period of time specified by the commissioner under rules adopted pursuant to RSA 541-A.
(f) By assessing administrative fines in amounts established by the commissioner which shall not exceed $2,000 per offense or, in the case of continuing offenses, $250 for each day the violation continues.