What may an administrative law judge order regarding costs if a licensee is found in violation?

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The key idea is that when a licensee is found to have violated licensing rules, the administrative law judge has the authority to order the licensee to cover the department’s reasonable enforcement costs. This includes the costs of investigation, prosecution, and enforcement that were necessary to pursue the case. This protection serves two purposes: it ensures the cost of enforcing the rules isn’t absorbed entirely by the public, and it provides a financial incentive for licensees to comply with the regulations.

Costs must be reasonable and tied to the actual work done to investigate and pursue the matter, rather than a blanket or punitive expense. This ordering of costs is a distinct remedy from any suspension or revocation and does not imply that the department must always pay for everything or that a hearing isn’t needed in other parts of a disciplinary action.