(a) Upon receipt of a written, signed complaint, or upon the Arkansas State Board of Acupuncture and Related Techniques’ own action as initiated by a vote of the majority of the members of the board acting at a duly convened meeting of the board, and as then reduced to a written complaint, if the board has reasonable cause to believe that the Arkansas Acupuncture Practices Act, Arkansas Code § 17-102-101 et seq., or the rules promulgated pursuant thereto have been or are being violated, the Secretary of the Arkansas State Board of Acupuncture and Related Techniques shall:

1. (1) Log in the date of receipt of any complaint initiated by the board or any other party;

2. (2) Determine whether the respondent is:

   1. (A) Licensed by the board to practice acupuncture and related techniques in the State of Arkansas; or
   2. (B) An applicant for licensure;

3. (3)

   1. (A) Assign a complaint number and create an individual file.
   2. (B) Complaint numbering shall begin with the last two (2) digits of the year in which the complaint is filed and shall then continue sequentially, e.g., 11-001; and
4. (4) Within seven (7) working days of the date of receipt of the complaint, send written acknowledgment of receipt of the complaint to the complainant.

(b)

1. (1) Furnish the respondent with a copy of the complaint and all documents filed in relation to the complaint by certified mail within seven (7) working days of the receipt of the complaint by the board.

2. (2) The respondent shall also be informed in writing at this time that the:

   1. (A) Board has initiated an investigation into the complaint; and
   2. (B) Respondent may furnish the board documents relevant to the complaint.

(c) Both parties shall refrain from contacting any member of the board:

1. (1) While the complaint is under investigation; and
2. (2) Until the matter has been resolved.