If a licensee is subject to a cease and desist order, what is the primary purpose of the hearing?

The primary purpose of the hearing in the context of a cease and desist order is to provide the licensee with an opportunity to contest the order issued against them. This process is essential within the legal and regulatory framework because it ensures that the licensee's rights to due process are respected. A hearing allows the individual to present evidence, testify, and argue against the basis of the cease and desist order, which may involve challenging the claims made by the regulatory body.

This procedure is a fundamental aspect of administrative law, where individuals have the right to defend themselves against actions that could affect their professional licenses. By facilitating this challenge, the hearing fosters transparency and fairness in the enforcement of regulations governing optometry practice in Arizona. It is not primarily concerned with reinstatement or assessing future misconduct directly, nor does it focus on financial implications, although these matters may indirectly become part of the discussion during such a hearing.