What happens if the board finds merit in a complaint against a licensee?

When the board finds merit in a complaint against a licensee, it indicates that there is sufficient evidence to support the claims made in the complaint. As a result, the appropriate course of action is for the board to consider taking disciplinary measures against the licensee. This could include a variety of actions such as imposing fines, suspending the license, or revoking it altogether, depending on the severity of the infraction. The focus of these actions is to ensure compliance with established laws and regulations, protect the public, and maintain the integrity of the profession.

The other options present scenarios that would not align with the board's responsibility when a complaint is substantiated. Dismissing the complaint would suggest that no merit was found, while informing the public or holding a public hearing may be part of the process, but they are not direct actions taken as a result of finding merit in a complaint. The primary and immediate concern in such cases is to uphold the professional standards through disciplinary actions.