Who is responsible for the costs associated with a medical, mental, or physical exam mandated by the board?

The costs associated with a medical, mental, or physical exam mandated by the board are typically the responsibility of the licensee. This is because when a board initiates such an examination, it is generally due to concerns regarding the licensee’s ability to practice safely or competently. As a part of the regulatory process, it is the licensee's obligation to demonstrate their fitness to practice, which includes covering any related costs of the examination.

The licensee being responsible for these costs serves multiple purposes: it discourages frivolous complaints, ensures that licensees take the process seriously, and aligns with the general principle that individuals should bear the costs associated with verifying their qualifications and fitness for professional duties. This reinforces accountability in the profession, ensuring that those who are licensed meet the standards required to protect public health and safety.

In contrast, the other options — the board, the complainant, and the state — would not be held liable for these costs, as their roles do not entail financial responsibility for assessments designed to evaluate the licensee’s compliance with professional standards. Instead, their focus is on enforcement and oversight, not on the financial burdens of individual evaluation processes.