193—7.4 (17A,272C) Informal settlement. The board, board staff or a board committee may attempt to informally settle a disciplinary case before filing a statement of charges and notice of hearing. If the board and the licensee agree to a settlement of the case, a statement of charges shall be filed simultaneously with a consent order. The statement of charges and consent order may be separate documents or may be combined in one document. By electing to sign a consent order, the licensee waives all rights to a hearing and all attendant rights. The consent order shall have the force and effect of a final disciplinary order entered in a contested case and shall be published as provided in rule 7.30(17A,272C). Matters not involving licensee discipline which may culminate in a contested case may also be settled through consent order. Procedures governing settlement after notice of hearing is served are described in rule 7.42(546,272C).