Maine § 2176. - Powers

§ 2176.. Powers

The department has the following duties and powers, in addition to those otherwise set forth in this chapter.   [PL 1999, c. 84, §3 (NEW).]

1.  Licenses; enforcement.  The department shall evaluate the qualifications and supervise the examination of applicants for licensure under this chapter and shall investigate or cause to be investigated all complaints made to it and all cases of noncompliance with this chapter.

2.  Rules.  The department may, in accordance with procedures established by Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II, adopt such rules as may be reasonably necessary for the proper performance of its duties and the administration of this chapter. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II‑A.

3.  Hearings.  Hearings may be conducted by the department to assist with investigations, to determine whether grounds exist for suspension, revocation or denial of a license or as otherwise considered necessary to fulfill its responsibilities under this chapter.

The department may not refuse to renew a license for any reason other than failure to pay a required fee, unless it has afforded the licensee an opportunity for an adjudicatory hearing. The department shall hold an adjudicatory hearing at the written request of any person who is denied a license for any reason other than failure to pay a required fee, if the request for hearing is received by the department within 30 days of the person's receipt of written notice of the denial, the reasons for the denial and the person's right to request a hearing. Hearings must be conducted in conformity with Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter IV, to the extent applicable. The department may subpoena witnesses, records and documents in any hearing it conducts.