Section 193.7.30. Final decisions, publication and client notification.

         7.30(1) Final decision. When a quorum of the board presides over the reception of evidence at the hearing, the decision is a final decision. The final decision of the board shall be filed with the executive officer. A copy of the final decision and order shall immediately be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the licensee’s or other respondent’s last-known U.S. Postal Service address or may be served as in the manner of original notices. A party’s attorney may waive formal service and accept service in writing for the party. Copies shall be mailed by interoffice mail or first-class mail to the prosecutor and counsel of record.

         7.30(2) Publication of decisions. Final decisions of the board, including consent agreements and consent orders, are public documents, are available to the public and may be disseminated as provided in Iowa Code chapter 22 by the board or others. Final decisions relating to licensee discipline shall be published in the professional licensing and regulation bureau’s newsletter, may be published on the bureau’s Web site, and may be transmitted to the appropriate professional association(s), national associations, other states, and news media, or otherwise disseminated. The board may, in its discretion, issue a formal press release.

         7.30(3) Notification of clients. Within 15 days (or such other time period specifically ordered by the board) of the licensee’s receipt of a final decision of the board, whether entered by consent or following hearing, which suspends or revokes a license or accepts a voluntary surrender of a license to resolve a disciplinary case, the licensee shall notify in writing all current clients of the fact that the license has been suspended, revoked or voluntarily surrendered. Such notice shall advise clients to obtain alternative professional services. Within 30 days of receipt of the board’s final order, the licensee shall file with the board copies of the notices sent. Compliance with this requirement shall be a condition for an application for reinstatement.

[ ARC 2754C , IAB 10/12/16, effective 11/16/16]