(a)

1. (1) Any person, including the Director of the State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors, may file a written complaint alleging violation of the statutes and/or the rules of the State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors.
2. (2) The respondent shall be mailed a copy of the complaint and shall enter an answer within twenty (20) days unless an extension is granted by the board.

(b)

1. (1) A preliminary investigation shall be conducted by a complaint committee appointed by the President of the State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors.

2. (2) The complaint committee may:

   1. (A) Find that probable cause exists that a violation has occurred and recommend to the board that the matter be set for hearing;
   2. (B) Find that the allegations are not evidence of a violation or are otherwise unfounded and recommend to the board that the complaint be dismissed;
   3. (C) Hold informal meetings with any persons or parties it deems appropriate and recommend informal disposition by:

(i) Stipulation;

1. (ii) Settlement;

   1. (iii) Consent order; or

      1. (iv) Default; or

   2. (D) If directed or authorized by the board, adjudicate and prepare a proposal for board decision as provided for and in accordance with the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, Arkansas Code § 25-15-201 et seq.

      1. (c) Unless dismissed or otherwise resolved, all charges shall be heard by the board within twelve (12) months from the time the complaint is received unless the time limit is waived by agreement of the board and the respondent or respondents.