When charges are filed against a licensee, what is the typical hearing process?

• A. Only formal hearing
• B. The licensee may attend an informal hearing and then may attend a formal hearing if the informal hearing is not decisive
• C. Cannot attend any hearing
• D. Must wait for civil court

Answer: (B)

When a licensee faces charges, the action is handled through the licensing authority’s disciplinary process rather than civil court. The typical path begins with an informal hearing or conference to review the allegations, hear the licensee’s side, and explore settlements or corrective actions. If this informal step doesn’t resolve the matter, a formal hearing is held before a hearing officer or administrative law judge, where evidence is presented, witnesses can be questioned, and a formal decision is issued. The licensee can attend both stages, and the formal hearing provides a more formal, adversarial process with a written decision and potential sanctions if warranted. This combination—informal first, then formal if needed—is why this option best describes the usual hearing process. It’s not limited to a single type of hearing, and it doesn’t require waiting for civil court.