(1) (a) The board may initiate proceedings under this article, either on its own motion or on the complaint of any person.

(b) The board, through the department of regulatory agencies, may employ administrative law judges on a full-time or part-time basis to conduct hearings as provided by this article or on any matter within the board's jurisdiction upon such conditions and terms as the board may determine.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in this article, all proceedings before the board with respect to the denial, suspension, or revocation of certificates or registrations issued under this article shall be conducted pursuant to the provisions of sections 24-4-104 and 24-4-105, C.R.S.

(3) If, after having been served with the notice of hearing as provided for in this section, the accused fails to appear at the hearing and defend, the board may proceed to hear evidence against the accused and may enter such order as is justified by the evidence, which order shall be final unless the accused petitions for a review thereof as provided in this section. Within thirty days after the date of any order, upon a showing of good cause for failing to appear and defend, the board may reopen the proceedings and may permit the accused to submit evidence in his or her behalf.

(4) The board or an administrative law judge shall have the power to administer oaths, take affirmations of witnesses, and issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of all relevant papers, books, records, documentary evidence, and materials in any hearing, investigation, accusation, or other matter coming before the board. The board may appoint an administrative law judge pursuant to part 10 of article 30 of title 24, C.R.S., to take evidence and to make findings and report them to the board.

(4.5) Upon failure of any witness to comply with such subpoena or process, the district court of the county in which the subpoenaed person or licensee resides or conducts business, upon application by the board or director with notice to the subpoenaed person or licensee, may issue to the person or licensee an order requiring that person or licensee to appear before the board or director; to produce the relevant papers, books, records, documentary evidence, or materials if so ordered; or to give evidence touching the matter under investigation or in question. Failure to obey the order of the court may be punished by the court as a contempt of court.

(5) At all hearings, the attorney general of this state or one of the attorney general's designated assistants shall appear and represent the board.

(6) The decision of the board shall be by majority vote thereof.