145.10 Investigations, hearings; suspension, revocation.

(1) The department may make investigations and conduct hearings and may, on its own or upon complaint in writing duly signed and verified by the complainant, and after providing not less than 10 days' notice to the licensee, suspend any master or journeyman plumber's license, cross-connection control tester's registration, utility contractor's license or temporary permit if it has reason to believe, and may revoke such license, registration or permit in the manner provided under this section if it finds, that the holder of such license, registration or permit has:

(a) Made a material misstatement in the application for a license or registration or renewal thereof or for a temporary permit;

(am) Committed gross negligence or misconduct or is incompetent in the practice covered by the person's license, registration or permit;

(b) Failed to correct an installation for which he or she is responsible, at his or her own expense, within 30 days following notification by the department of a violation of any rule adopted under this chapter; or

(c) Falsified information on an inspection form under s. 145.20 (5).

(2) A copy of the complaint with notice of the suspension of license, registration or permit shall be served on the person complained against, and the person's answer to the complaint shall be filed with the department and the complainant within 10 days after service. The department shall thereupon set the matter for hearing as promptly as possible and within 30 days after the date of filing the complaint. Either party may appear at the hearing in person or by attorney or agent. The department shall make its findings and determination within 90 days after the date that the hearing is concluded and send a copy to each interested party.

(3) No order revoking a license, registration or permit shall be made until after a public hearing to be held before the department at such place as the department designates. At least 10 days prior to the hearing the department shall send written notice of the time and place of the hearing to the licensee or permittee and to the person's attorney or agent of record by mailing the notice to the last-known address of such persons. The testimony presented and proceedings had at the hearing shall be recorded and preserved as the records of the department. The department shall as soon thereafter as possible make its findings and determination and send a copy to each interested party. One year after the date of revocation, application may be made for a new license or registration.

History: 1977 c. 314, 418; 1979 c. 34; 1981 c. 1 s. 47; 1981 c. 60; 1983 a. 27, 70; 1991 a. 39; 1993 a. 322; 2005 a. 347.