193F—8.10(272C,543D) Peer review committee (PRC). A peer review committee may be appointed by the board to investigate a complaint. The committee may consist of one or more certified general or certified residential real property appraisers registered to practice in Iowa. The board may appoint a single peer review consultant to perform the functions of a PRC when, in the board’s opinion, appointing a committee with more members would be impractical, unnecessary or undesirable given the nature of the expertise required, the need for prompt action or the circumstances of the complaint. An individual shall be ineligible as a PRC member in accordance with the standard for disqualification found in rule 193F—20.14(17A).
	8.10(1) Authority. The PRC investigation may include activities such as interviewing the complainant, the respondent, and individuals with knowledge of the respondent’s practice in the community; gathering documents; and performing independent analyses as deemed necessary. The board may give specific instructions to the PRC regarding the scope of the investigation. In the course of the investigation, PRC members shall refrain from advising the complainant or respondent on actions that the board might take.
	8.10(2) Term of service. The PRC serves at the pleasure of the board. The board may dismiss any or all members of a PRC or add new members at any time.
	8.10(3) Compensation. PRC members may receive compensation as the board may provide by contract. Within established budget limitations, PRC members may be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses that are incurred for travel, meals and lodging while performing committee duties. The PRC shall not hire legal counsel, investigators, secretarial help or any other assistance without written authorization from the board.
	8.10(4) Reports. Each PRC shall submit a written report to the board within a reasonable period of time.
	8.10(5) Components of the report. The report shall include:
	a. 	Statement of the charge to the PRC;
	b. 	Description of the actions taken by the PRC in its investigation, including but not limited to appraisal review(s) and interviews with the respondent or complainant;
	c. 	Summary of the PRC’s findings, including the PRC’s opinion as to whether a violation occurred, citation of the specific USPAP violation(s), citation of the Iowa Code section(s) and Iowa Administrative Code rule(s) violated, and the PRC’s opinion of the seriousness of the violation;
	d. 	Recommendation.
	8.10(6) Recommended action. The PRC report shall recommend one of the following:
	a. 	Dismissal of the complaint;
	b. 	Further investigation;
	c. 	Disciplinary proceedings;
	d. 	Allowing the appraiser who is the subject of the complaint an opportunity to appear before the board for an informal discussion regarding the circumstances of the alleged violation.
If the PRC recommends further investigation or disciplinary proceedings, supporting information must be submitted to the board including citation of the specific USPAP violation(s), Iowa Code section(s) and Iowa Administrative Code rule(s) violated.
	8.10(7) Disciplinary recommendations. When recommending disciplinary proceedings, a PRC shall refrain from suggesting a particular form of discipline, but may provide guidance on the severity of the violations that prompted the recommendation and may identify professional areas in which the appraiser needs additional education or supervision in order to safely practice.
	8.10(8) Confidentiality. The PRC shall not discuss its findings and conclusions with any party to the complaint other than the board (through its report to the board) or board staff. PRC findings including the name of the complainant shall be kept confidential at all times. PRC findings shall be used only for the purposes of the board’s possible disciplinary action and not for any other court case, lawsuit, or investigation.
	8.10(9) Testimony. In the event of formal disciplinary proceedings, PRC members may be required to testify.
[ARC 4379C, IAB 3/27/19, effective 5/1/19]