Delaware Code Title 24. Professions and Occupations § 215. Hearing procedures

(a) Upon the receipt of a complaint, the Board shall determine what action, if any, it shall take.  If the Board decides not to take any further action, and the complainant is known to the Board, the Board shall forward by letter to the complainant its reasons for not taking further action.  Where the Board has determined to take further action, the matter shall be heard by the Board within 3 months from the date on which the complaint was received.  The Board shall fix the time and place for a full hearing of the matter, and shall cause a copy of the complaint, together with a notice of the time and place fixed for the hearing, to be personally delivered or served upon the practitioner at least 30 days before the date fixed for the hearing.  In cases where the practitioner cannot be located or where personal service cannot be effected, substitute service shall be effected in the same manner as with civil litigation.

(b) All hearings shall be informal without use of the rules of evidence.  If the Board finds, by a majority vote of all members, that the complaint has merit, the Board shall take such action permitted under this chapter as it deems necessary.  The Board's decision shall be in writing and shall include its reasons for such decision.  A copy of the decision shall be mailed immediately to the practitioner.  The Board's decision shall become effective on the thirtieth day after the date it is mailed or served on the practitioner, unless there is an appeal by the practitioner to the Superior Court within that time.