§59-698.3.

§59-698.3.
   
   A. The State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners is hereby
   re-created, to continue until July 1, 2000, in accordance with the
   provisions of the Oklahoma Sunset Law, to regulate and enforce the
   practice of veterinary medicine in this state in accordance with the
   Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act.
   
   B. 1. The duty of determining a person's initial and continuing
   qualification and fitness for the practice of veterinary medicine, of
   proceeding against the unlawful and unlicensed practice of veterinary
   medicine and of enforcing the Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act is
   hereby delegated to the Board. That duty shall be discharged in
   accordance with the Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act and other
   applicable statutes.
   
   2. a. It is necessary that the powers conferred on the Board by the
   Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act be construed to protect the health,
   safety and welfare of the people of this state.
   
   b. No member of the Board, acting in that capacity or as a member of
   any Board committee, shall participate in the making of any decision
   or the taking of any action affecting such member's own personal,
   professional or pecuniary interest, or that of a person related to the
   member within the third degree by consanguinity, marriage or adoption
   or of a business or professional associate.
   
   c. With advice of legal counsel, the Board shall adopt and annually
   review a conflict of interest policy to enforce the provisions of the
   Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act.
   
   C. The practice of veterinary medicine is a privilege granted by the
   people of this state acting through their elected representatives. It
   is not a natural right of individuals. In the interest of the public,
   and to protect the public, it is necessary to provide laws and rules
   to govern the granting and subsequent use of the privilege to practice
   veterinary medicine. The primary responsibility and obligation of the
   Board is to protect the public from the unprofessional, improper,
   incompetent and unlawful practice of veterinary medicine.
   
   D. The liability of any member or employee of the Board acting within
   the scope of Board duties or employment shall be governed by the
   Governmental Tort Claims Act.