(a)        Except as provided in subsection (a1) of this section, the Board, in its discretion, may designate in writing three or more hearing officers to conduct hearings as a hearing committee to take evidence. A majority of hearing officers participating in a hearing committee shall be licensees of the Board. The Board shall make a reasonable effort to include on the panel at least one physician licensed in the same or similar specialty as the licensee against whom the complaint has been filed. If a current or retired judge as described in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-1.1(2) who is not a current or past Board member participates as a hearing officer, the Board may elect not to retain independent counsel for the hearing committee.

(a1)      The Board may use an administrative law judge consistent with Article 3A of Chapter 150B of the N.C. Gen. Stat. in lieu of a hearing committee so long as the Board has not solely alleged that the licensee failed to meet an applicable standard of care. Notwithstanding this subsection, the Board may use an administrative law judge consistent with Article 3A of Chapter 150B of the N.C. Gen. Stat. if the licensee is a current or former Board member.

(b)        Repealed by Session Laws 2019-191, s. 29, effective October 1, 2019.

(c)        The hearing committee shall submit a recommended decision that contains findings of fact and conclusions of law to the Board. Before the Board makes a final decision, it shall give each party an opportunity to file written exceptions to the recommended decision made by the hearing committee and to present oral arguments to the Board. A quorum of the Board will issue a final decision. No member of the Board who served as a member of the hearing committee described in subsection (a) of this section may participate as a member of the quorum of the Board that issues a final agency decision.

(d)       Hearing officers are entitled to receive per diem compensation and reimbursement for expenses as authorized by the Board. The per diem compensation shall not exceed the amount allowed by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-13.3 ?(1953, c. 1248, s. 3; 2006-144, s. 5; 2007-346, s. 18; 2009-558, s. 3; 2019-191, s. 29.)

Terms Used In North Carolina General Statutes 90-14.5

  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • in writing: may be construed to include printing, engraving, lithographing, and any other mode of representing words and letters: Provided, that in all cases where a written signature is required by law, the same shall be in a proper handwriting, or in a proper mark. See North Carolina General Statutes 12-3
  • Quorum: The number of legislators that must be present to do business.
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