HB 4951 Amendment Summary

• Removes requirement that at least one Board member attend disciplinary hearings in the Pharmacy Practice Act, Physical Therapy Act, Respiratory Care Practice Act, Landscape Architecture Act, and Professional Geologist Licensing Act.

• Allows hearing officers (appointed attorneys) to conduct hearings independently with full authority, while still reporting findings to the Board and Director.

• Establishes 60-day deadline for Boards to review hearing officer reports; if Board fails to meet deadline, Director/Secretary may issue orders based on hearing officer's report.

• Allows Directors/Secretaries to issue orders that contradict Board recommendations if they determine substantial justice was not served or disagree with the Board's findings.

• Creates appeal process for pharmacy licensees to request direct appeal to Secretary if Board fails to report within 60 days, with automatic acceptance of hearing officer's report if all parties fail to meet subsequent deadlines.