(a) Filing a complaint.

1. (1) Any person, including members of the Arkansas State Board of Registration for Foresters and the Executive Director, may file a complaint against an individual found in violation of Arkansas Code § 17-31-101 et seq.
2. (2) Complaints must be made in writing on forms authorized by the board.
3. (3) All complaints must be notarized and filed with the Executive Director.
4. (4) The Executive Director will review each complaint for jurisdiction.
5. (5) Only those complaints within the board’s jurisdiction shall proceed through the complaint process.

(b) Complaint Committee.

1. (1)

   1. (A) The chair shall select two (2) members of the board to serve on the Complaint Committee.
   2. (B) Terms shall be for the duration of the member’s appointment.
2. (2) The Executive Director is a nonvoting member of the committee.
3. (3) The committee shall assist the Executive Director, when needed, to establish jurisdiction.

4. (4)

   1. (A) The committee shall review all complaint letters within the board’s jurisdiction and corresponding respondent letters.
   2. (B) The committee shall make additional inquiries, contact outside sources, etc., as needed to investigate the complaint.
5. (5) The committee shall make recommendations to the board regarding complaint dismissal or specific charges to bring against the respondent.

6. (6) Should an offer of settlement be made, the committee shall:

   1. (A) Review the offer; and
   2. (B) Make a recommendation to the board as to acceptance or denial.

(c) Respondents.

1. (1) Respondents are those individuals who have a complaint brought against them.

2. (2)

   1. (A) Respondents shall be sent a certified letter stating that a complaint (within the board’s jurisdiction) has been filed against them.
   2. (B) The letter shall contain a copy of the complaint filed and a respondent form.
   3. (C) Respondents have two (2) weeks from receipt of the letter to complete and return the respondent form.

(d) Hearings.

1. (1) If the board finds a complaint has probable cause, a notice shall be sent to the respondent stating the following:

   1. (A) Time, place, and nature of the hearing;
   2. (B) Board’s legal authority and jurisdiction under which the hearing is held;
   3. (C) Statement of facts and law asserted;
   4. (D) Possible actions/penalties to be assessed against respondent if allegations are proven; and
   5. (E) If requested, the board shall provide all documents as required by Arkansas Code § 25-15-208.
2. (2) Hearings will be made in accordance with Arkansas Code § 25-15-208.
3. (3) A final decision including statement of fact and conclusions of law shall be mailed to the respondent upon conclusion of the hearing.

4. (4)

   1. (A) Hearing transcriptions will only be made should the board’s decision be appealed for judicial review.
   2. (B) Individuals requesting a transcription from a hearing that has not been appealed must reimburse the agency all costs associated with the transcription.