Ray & Bishop: California's Best Licensing Attorneys

In California, most license discipline matters are decided by a formal hearing process under the Administrative Procedure Act (also known as the “APA”.) The APA provides for basic due process by way of written notices and a hearing, if demanded by the licensee or one denied a license, before an administrative law judge, usually at the Office of Administrative Hearings. Some administrative matters are dealt with informally by alternative procedures, such as an informal investigation or citation, which are not discussed here. A formal administrative disciplinary hearing is unlike other types of trials in that the licensing agency, board, bureau or department makes the final decision on the case. Even if the administrative law judge finds in a licensee's favor, the agency, board, bureau or department can reject or modify the decision of the administrative law judge.