What is the typical process for a board complaint?

• A. Intake, hearings, final decision.
• B. Intake, investigation, probable cause determination, hearings, and final decision.
• C. Investigation only with no formal hearing.
• D. Filing suit in court before any board action.

Answer: (B)

Beginning with intake, the board collects the initial information about a potential violation and routes the matter into the formal process. Next comes investigation, where evidence is gathered, records are reviewed, and witnesses may be interviewed to determine what actually happened. A probable cause determination follows to decide whether there is enough evidence to proceed to a formal proceeding; if there isn’t, the matter can be dismissed. If probable cause exists, a hearing is held in which the respondent can present evidence and witnesses, often with representation, and the board weighs the facts and arguments. After the hearing, the board issues a final decision, which may include findings of fact, conclusions, and any disciplinary actions or sanctions.

This sequence is needed because it ensures a fair, evidence-based progression from receipt of a complaint to a formal resolution. Without an investigation and probable cause check, there’s no solid basis to proceed to a hearing. Without intake, there’s no start to the process. Filing a suit in court before any board action bypasses the board’s own remedial process and isn’t how a board typically handles complaints.