TEMPORARY SUSPENSION

(a) The presiding officer of the acupuncture board, with that board's approval, shall appoint a three-member disciplinary panel consisting of acupuncture board members to determine whether a person's license to practice as an acupuncturist should be temporarily suspended. (b) If the disciplinary panel determines from the information presented to the panel that a person licensed to practice as an acupuncturist would, by the person's continuation in practice, constitute a continuing threat to the public welfare, the disciplinary panel shall temporarily suspend the license of that person. (c) A license may be suspended under this section without notice or hearing on the complaint if: (1) institution of proceedings for a hearing before the acupuncture board is initiated simultaneously with the temporary suspension; and (2) a hearing is held under Chapter 2001, Government Code, and this chapter as soon as possible. (d) Notwithstanding Chapter 551, Government Code, the disciplinary panel may hold a meeting by telephone conference call if immediate action is required and convening of the panel at one location is inconvenient for any member of the disciplinary panel.