Mississippi Code Title 73. Professions and Vocations § 73-34-41

The board may investigate the actions of an individual licensed or entity registered under this chapter or an applicant for licensure, renewal or registration. Upon compliance with the procedural requirements set forth in this chapter, the board may revoke or suspend the license or otherwise discipline a licensed appraiser, licensed certified real estate appraiser or registered appraisal management company, or deny an application or registration, for any of the acts or omissions set forth in Section 73-34-35.

Upon receipt of information indicating that a licensed appraiser, licensed certified real estate appraiser or a registered appraisal management company may have committed a violation under Section 73-34-35, the board may, upon compliance with the procedural requirements set forth in this chapter, revoke or suspend the license or otherwise discipline the licensee or registrant, or deny an application or registration, for any of the acts or omissions set forth in Section 73-34-35.

Upon receipt of information indicating that a licensed appraiser, licensed certified real estate appraiser or registered appraisal management company may have committed a violation under Section 73-34-35, the board may cause one or more of the investigators on its staff to make an investigation of the facts to determine whether or not there is evidence of any such violation. If technical assistance is required, a staff investigator may consult with not more than two (2) of the voting members of the board. If a voting member of the board is consulted and renders assistance in an investigation, such member shall be excused from service on the board in connection with any administrative hearing that results from such investigation.

In any investigation made by the board's investigative staff, the board shall have the power to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, appraisal documents, records and other papers, the power to administer oaths, and the power to take testimony and receive evidence concerning all matters within its jurisdiction.

If an investigation indicates that a licensed appraiser, licensed certified real estate appraiser or registered appraisal management company has committed a violation under Section 73-34-35, a formal complaint shall be prepared by the board staff and served upon such real estate appraiser or appraisal management company in accordance with the rules of the board. This complaint shall require the accused party to file an answer to the complaint within twenty (20) days of the date of service.

In responding to a complaint filed by the staff of the board, the accused party may admit the allegations of the complaint, deny the allegations of the complaint, or otherwise plead. Failure to make a timely response shall be deemed an admission of the allegations of the complaint.

Upon completion of the investigation of the complaint, the board shall set a date, time and place for an administrative hearing on the complaint.