Iowa Admin. Code r. 193-7.42

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 11, December 11, 2024

Rule 193-7.42 - Settlement after notice of hearing

(1) Settlement negotiations after the notice of hearing is served may be initiated by the licensee or other respondent, the prosecuting assistant attorney general, the board's executive officer, or the board chair or chair's designee.

(2) The board chair or chair's designee has authority to negotiate on behalf of the board but does not have the authority to bind the board to particular terms of settlement.

(3) The respondent is not obligated to participate in settlement negotiations. The respondent's initiation of or consent to settlement negotiation constitutes a waiver of notice and opportunity to be heard during settlement negotiation pursuant to Iowa Code section 17A.17 and rule 193-7.28 (17A). Thereafter, the prosecuting attorney is authorized to discuss informal settlement with the board chair or chair's designee, and the designated board member is not disqualified from participating in the adjudication of the contested case.

(4) Unless designated to negotiate, no member of the board will be involved in settlement negotiation until a written consent order is submitted to the full board for approval. No informal settlement will be submitted to the full board unless it is in final written form executed by the respondent. By signing the proposed consent order, the respondent authorizes the prosecuting attorney or executive officer to have ex parte communications with the board related to the terms of settlement. If the board fails to approve the consent order, it will be of no force and effect to either party and will not be admissible at hearing. Upon rejecting a proposed consent order, the board may suggest alternative terms of settlement that the respondent is free to accept or reject.

(5) If the board and respondent agree to a consent order, the consent order will constitute the final decision of the board. By electing to resolve a contested case through consent order, the respondent waives all rights to a hearing and all attendant rights. A consent order in a licensee disciplinary case will have the force and effect of a final disciplinary order entered in a contested case and will be published as provided in rule 193-7.30 (17A,272C).

Iowa Admin. Code r. 193-7.42

Adopted by IAB July 10, 2024/Volume XLVII, Number 1, effective 8/14/2024