(a) The commission shall employ an animal health officer and such assistant animal health officers as needed to serve at the pleasure of the commission. Before employing any person as the animal health officer, the commission shall cause the Kansas bureau of investigation to conduct a criminal history record check and background investigation of the person.

(b) The animal health officer and assistant animal health officers shall:

(1) Be doctors of veterinary medicine;

(2) be in the unclassified service under the Kansas civil service act;

(3) receive such compensation as determined by the commission, subject to the limitations of appropriations therefor; and

(4) while employed by the commission, devote full time to the duties of the office.

(c) The animal health officer shall:

(1) Supervise the formulation, administration and evaluation of all medical tests the commission’s rules and regulations require or authorize;

(2) advise the commission on all aspects of veterinary medicine relating to its powers and duties;

(3) supervise all personnel involved in conducting physical examinations and medical testing of racing animals, as directed by the executive director; and

(4) perform such other duties as directed by the commission.

(d) The assistant animal health officers shall:

(1) Conduct physical examinations and medical tests of racing animals as prescribed by the commission;

(2) administer emergency treatment of racing animals at race meetings as authorized by the owners of such animals or their agents; and

(3) perform such other duties as directed by the commission.

(e) The animal health officer or an assistant animal health officer may possess and administer drugs and medications to horses and greyhounds within a racetrack facility as authorized by rules and regulations of the commission.

(f) The commission may require an organization licensee to reimburse the commission for services performed by assistant animal health officers at race meetings conducted by the organization licensee.

(g) The commission may obtain medical services as required by contract with an institution which teaches animal health sciences within the state.

(h) The commission shall contract with one or more laboratory facilities for the analysis of samples taken for the purpose of enforcing compliance with Kan. Stat. Ann. §§ 74-8811 and amendments thereto. In entering into any contract under this subsection, the commission shall give preference to laboratory facilities located in this state.