A. Before denying, suspending or revoking a license or refusing a renewal of the license, the board shall serve upon the applicant or licensee an order to show cause why the license should not be denied, revoked or suspended or why the renewal should not be refused. The order to show cause shall contain a statement of the basis of the order and shall require the applicant or registrant to appear before the board not less than thirty days after the date of service of the order, but in the case of a denial of renewal of the license, the order shall be served not later than thirty days before the expiration of the license unless the proceedings relate to suspension or revocation of a license. These proceedings shall be conducted in accordance with the Uniform Licensing Act [61-1-1 NMSA 1978] without regard to any criminal prosecution or other proceeding. Proceedings to suspend or revoke a license or to refuse renewal of a license shall not abate the existing license which shall remain in effect pending the outcome of the proceeding.

B. The board may suspend, without an order to show cause, any license simultaneously with the institution of proceedings to revoke or suspend a registration under Section 30-31-14 NMSA 1978 or where renewal of the license is refused if it finds that there is such a substantial and imminent danger to the public health or safety which warrants this action. The suspension shall continue in effect until the conclusion of the proceedings, including judicial review, unless sooner withdrawn by the board or dissolved by a court of competent jurisdiction.

History: Laws 1989, ch. 177, § 9.