LAC 46:VIII.603. Investigation

A. If the complaint’s coordinator determines that a complaint warrants further investigation, the board’s complaint’s coordinator shall notify the licensee or applicant against whom the complaint has been made (hereinafter referred to as “respondent”) by certified mail. The notice to the respondent shall include the following: 1. notice that a complaint has been filed; 2. a statement of the nature of the complaint; 3. a reference to the particular sections of the statutes, rules or ethical standards that may be involved; 4. copies of the applicable laws, rules and regulations of the board; and 5. a request for cooperation in obtaining a full understanding of the circumstances. B. The respondent shall provide the board, within 30 days, a written statement giving the respondent’s view of the circumstances, which are the subject of the complaint. If the respondent refuses to reply to the board’s inquiry or cooperate with the board, the board shall continue its investigation. C. The board may conduct such other investigation, as it deems appropriate. D. During the investigation phase, the board may communicate with the complainant and with the respondent in an effort to seek a resolution of the complaint satisfactory to the board without the necessity of a formal hearing.