(a)

1. (1) If a person duly notified fails to appear for a disciplinary hearing and no continuance has been granted, the Arkansas State Board of Nursing or its hearing officer shall hear the evidence of such witnesses as may have appeared, and the board shall proceed to consider the matter and dispose of it on the basis of the evidence before it in the manner required by 17 CAR § 126-212.
2. (2) Failure of the licensee to keep the board informed of a change of address shall not be grounds to have the hearing reopened.

(b)

1. (1) Where because of accident, sickness, or other cause a person fails to appear for a hearing which has been scheduled by the board, the person may, within a reasonable time, apply to the board to reopen the proceeding, and the board, upon finding such cause sufficient, shall:

   1. (A) Immediately fix a time and place for hearing; and
   2. (B) Give such person notice thereof as required by this subpart.
2. (2) At the time and place fixed, a hearing shall be held in the same manner as would have been employed if the person had appeared in response to the original notice of hearing.