§30-31-12 Complaints; investigations; due process procedure; grounds for disciplinary action. - West Virginia Statutes

§30-31-12. Complaints; investigations; due process procedure; grounds for disciplinary action.
(a) The board may upon its own motion based on credible information, and shall upon the written complaint of any person cause an investigation to be made to determine whether grounds exist for disciplinary action under this article or the legislative rules of the board.

(b) Upon initiation or receipt of the complaint, the board shall provide a copy of the complaint to the licensee.

(c) After reviewing any information obtained through an investigation, the board shall determine if probable cause exists that the licensee has violated any provision of subsection (g) of this section or rules promulgated pursuant to this article.

(d) Upon a finding that probable cause exists that the licensee has violated any provision of subsection (g) of this section or rules promulgated pursuant to this article, the board may enter into a consent decree or hold a hearing for the suspension or revocation of the license or the imposition of sanctions against the licensee. Any hearing shall be held in accordance with the provisions of this article.

(e) Any member of the board or the executive director of the board may issue subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum to obtain testimony and documents to aid in the investigation of allegations against any person regulated by the article.

(f) Any member of the board or its executive director may sign a consent decree or other legal document on behalf of the board.

(g) The board may, after notice and opportunity for hearing, deny or refuse to renew, suspend or revoke the license of, impose probationary conditions upon or take disciplinary action against, any licensee for any of the following reasons once a violation has been proven by a preponderance of the evidence:

(1) Obtaining a license by fraud, misrepresentation or concealment of material facts;

(2) Being convicted of a felony or other crime involving moral turpitude;

(3) Being guilty of unprofessional conduct as defined by legislative rule of the board;

(4) A violation of a lawful order or rule of the board;

(5) Having had a license or other authorization revoked or suspended, other disciplinary action taken, or an application for licensure or other authorization revoked or suspended by the proper authorities of another jurisdiction;

(6) Aiding or abetting unlicensed practice; or

(7) Engaging in an act which has endangered or is likely to endanger the health, welfare or safety of the public.

(h) For the purposes of subsection (g) of this section, effective July 15, 2009, disciplinary action may include:

(1) Reprimand;

(2) Probation;

(3) Administrative fine, not to exceed $1,000 per day per violation;

(4) Mandatory attendance at continuing education seminars or other training;

(5) Practicing under supervision or other restriction;

(6) Requiring the licensee to report to the board for periodic interviews for a specified period of time; or

(7) Other corrective action considered by the board to be necessary to protect the public, including advising other parties whose legitimate interests may be at risk.