21 NCAC 01 .0704             INFORMAL PROCEEDINGS

(a)  In addition to formal hearings pursuant to G.S. 90-456, the Board may conduct informal proceedings in order to settle on an informal basis matters of dispute.  A person practicing acupuncture pursuant to a license or other authority granted by the Board may be invited to attend a meeting with the Board or a committee of the Board on an informal basis to discuss any matter the Board deems appropriate.  No public record of such proceeding shall be made nor shall any individual be placed under oath to give testimony.  Matters discussed by a person appearing informally before the Board may, however, be used against such person in a formal hearing if a formal hearing is subsequently initiated.

(b)  As a result of such informal meeting, the Board may recommend that certain actions be taken by such person, may offer such person the opportunity to enter into a consent order which will be a matter of public record, may institute a contested case concerning such person, or may take other action as the Board may deem appropriate in each case.

(c)  Attendance at such an informal meeting is not required and is at the sole discretion of the person so invited.  A person invited to attend an informal meeting may have counsel present at such meeting.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 150B-38(h);

Eff. February 1, 1997;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. November 12, 2014.