32-573. Procedure for disciplinary action; appeal

A. The board on its own motion may investigate any information that appears to show the existence of any of the causes set forth in section 32-572. The board shall investigate the report of any person that appears to show the existence of any of the causes set forth in section 32-572. A person who reports pursuant to this section and who provides the information in good faith is not subject to liability for civil damages as a result.

B. If, after completing its investigation, the board finds that the evidence is not of sufficient seriousness to merit direct action against a license, it may take either of the following actions:

1. Dismiss if, in the opinion of the board, the evidence is without merit.

2. File a letter of concern if, in the opinion of the board, while there is insufficient evidence to support direct action against the license there is sufficient evidence for the board to notify the licensee that continuation of the activities that led to the information or report being made to the board may result in action against the licensee's license.

C. If, in the opinion of the board, it appears the information or report is or may be true, the board shall request an informal interview with the licensee concerned. The interview shall be requested by the board in writing, stating the reasons for the interview and setting a date not less than ten days from the date of the notice for conducting the interview.

D. If, after an informal interview, the board finds that the evidence warrants suspension or revocation of a license issued pursuant to this chapter, imposition of a civil penalty or public reproof or if the licensee under investigation refuses to attend the informal interview, a complaint shall be issued and formal proceedings shall be initiated. All proceedings pursuant to this subsection shall be conducted in accordance with title 41, chapter 6, article 10.

E. A licensee who has been notified pursuant to subsection D of this section of charges pending against the licensee shall file with the board an answer in writing to the charges not more than thirty days after the licensee receives the complaint. If the licensee fails to answer in writing within this time, it is deemed an admission by the licensee of the acts charged in the complaint and the board may take disciplinary action allowed by this chapter without a hearing.

F. If the board finds that the evidence is not of sufficient seriousness to merit suspension or revocation of a license issued pursuant to this chapter, imposition of a civil penalty or public reproof it may take the following actions:

1. Dismiss if, in the opinion of the board, the evidence is without merit.

2. File a letter of concern if, in the opinion of the board, while there is insufficient evidence to support direct action against the license there is sufficient evidence for the board to notify the licensee that continuation of the activities which led to the information or report being made to the board may result in action against the licensee's license.

3. Impose probation requirements.

G. If a licensee violates this chapter or a rule adopted pursuant to this chapter, the board may assess the licensee with the board's reasonable costs and expenses, including attorney fees, incurred in conducting the investigation and administrative hearing. All monies collected pursuant to this subsection shall be deposited, pursuant to sections 35-146 and 35-147, in a separate account in the board of cosmetology fund established by section 32-505. The board may only use these monies to defray its expenses in connection with investigation related training and education, disciplinary investigations and all costs related to administrative hearings. Notwithstanding section 35-143.01 the separate account monies may be spent without legislative appropriation.

H. Except as provided in section 41-1092.08, subsection H, final decisions of the board are subject to judicial review pursuant to title 12, chapter 7, article 6.