What is the difference between an informal interview and a formal hearing?

The Board's statutes use the term "informal interview" for an interview before the full Board that may result in resolution of the case other than through a formal hearing. The purpose of the informal interview is to further the Board's investigation toward resolution of the complaint. The complainant should be prepared to act as a witness at the hearing. Generally, formal hearings are reserved for those cases where unique circumstances exist, and for cases where the allegations are serious to the degree to warrant possible suspension or revocation of the license/certificate if those allegations are proven to be true. If the matter is voted to a formal hearing, the licensee/certificate holder will be noticed through a formal process called a Complaint and Notice of Hearing. The Complaint will identify the date, time and place for the hearing. It will outline the factual allegations and charges, made against the licensee/certificate holder, by the State of Arizona. The hearing may either be conducted before the Board or before an Administrative Law Judge with the Arizona Office of Administrative Hearings. The complainant should be prepared to act as a witness at the hearing.

With all matters before the Board, the licensee/certificate holder has the right to be represented by an attorney.