Section 310:11 - Licensing ProceedingsI. Boards shall conduct licensing proceedings in accordance with procedural rules adopted by the executive director.II. If a license is denied following a licensing proceeding, its final decision shall be issued in accordance with RSA 541-A:35.III. The office shall employ sufficient personnel qualified by reason of education, competence, and relevant experience to serve as presiding officer in all licensing proceedings before the boards. The presiding officer shall have the authority to preside at such hearing and to issue oaths or affirmations to witnesses, rule on questions of law and other procedural matters, and issue final orders based on factual findings of the board.
IV. Neither the office nor the boards shall have an obligation or authority to appoint or pay the fees of attorneys representing licensees, certified individuals, or witnesses during investigations or adjudicatory proceedings.V. Licensing proceedings shall be open to the public in accordance with RSA 91-A.VI. The presiding officer, as defined in RSA 541-A, shall have the authority to: hold pre-hearing conferences, which shall be exempt from the provisions of RSA 91-A; administer oaths and affirmations; and render legal opinions and make conclusions of law. The boards shall be the triers of fact.VII. In any proceeding held pursuant to RSA 310 or RSA 541-A, a board may direct that evidence be received solely by a presiding officer who, in addition to exercising the authority given to the presiding officer under RSA 310 and RSA 541-A, shall be charged with making findings of fact, determining appropriate sanctions or action, or denying or accepting settlement agreements.VIII. In instances where a board cannot meet quorum, the executive director, or designee, may initiate proceedings held pursuant to RSA 310 or RSA 541-A and direct that evidence be received solely by the presiding officer who, in addition to exercising the authority given to the presiding officer under RSA 310 and RSA 541-A, shall be charged with making findings of fact, determining appropriate sanctions or action, or denying or accepting settlement agreements.Amended by 2024, 364:5, eff. 10/22/2024.Amended by 2023, 235:8, eff. 7/15/2023.Added by 2023, 112:1, eff. 7/1/2023.