CHAPTER 12
INFORMAL SETTLEMENT
645—12.1(17A,272C) Informal settlement.
	12.1(1) Informal settlement—parties. A contested case may be resolved by informal settlement. Negotiation of an informal settlement may be initiated by the state of Iowa represented by an assistant attorney general, the respondent, or the board. The board shall designate a board member with authority to negotiate on behalf of the board. The full board shall not be involved in negotiations until the presentation of a final, written, signed informal settlement to the full board for approval.
	12.1(2) Informal settlement—waiver of notice and opportunity to be heard. Consent to negotiation by a respondent constitutes a waiver of notice and opportunity to be heard pursuant to Iowa Code chapter 17A during informal settlement negotiation, and the assistant attorney general is thereafter authorized to discuss informal settlement with the board’s designee until that consent is expressly withdrawn.
	12.1(3) Informal settlement—board approval. All informal settlements are subject to approval of a majority of the board. No informal settlement shall be presented to the board for approval except in final, written form executed by the respondent. If the board fails to approve the informal settlement, it shall be of no force or effect to either party.
	12.1(4) Informal settlement—disqualification of designee. A board member who is designated to act in negotiation of settlement is not disqualified from participating in the contested case should the case proceed to hearing.
	12.1(5) Voluntary surrender. The board may accept the voluntary surrender of a license if accompanied by a written statement of intention. A voluntary surrender, when accepted in connection with a disciplinary proceeding, has the same force and effect as an order of revocation.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code chapter 17A as amended by 1998 Iowa Acts, chapter 1202, and Iowa Code chapter 272C.
[Filed 5/14/99, Notice 3/24/99—published 6/2/99, effective 7/7/99]