California CodesBusiness and Professions Code - BPCDivision 3 — Professions and Vocations GenerallyChapter 1 — AccountantsArticle 5.1 — Practice PrivilegesSection 5096.4

(a) The right of an individual to practice in this state under a practice privilege may be administratively suspended at any time by an order issued by the board or its executive officer, without prior notice or hearing, for the purpose of conducting a disciplinary investigation, proceeding, or inquiry concerning the individual’s competence or qualifications to practice under practice privileges, failure to timely respond to a board inquiry or request for information or documents, or under other conditions and circumstances provided for by board regulation.

(b) The administrative suspension order is immediately effective when mailed to the individual’s address of record or agent for notice and service as provided for in this article.

(c) The administrative suspension order shall contain the following:

(1) The reason for the suspension.

(2) A statement that the individual has the right, within 30 days, to appeal the administrative suspension order and request a hearing.

(3) A statement that any appeal hearing will be conducted under the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code) applicable to individuals who are denied licensure, including the filing of a statement of issues by the board setting forth the reasons for the administrative suspension of practice privileges and specifying the statutes and rules with which the individual must show compliance by producing proof at the hearing and in addition any particular matters that have come to the attention of the board and that would authorize the administrative suspension, or the revocation of practice privileges.

(d) The burden is on the holder of the suspended practice privilege to establish both qualification and fitness to practice under practice privileges.

(e) The administrative suspension shall continue in effect until terminated by an order of the board or the executive officer.

(f) Administrative suspension is not discipline and shall not preclude any individual from applying for a license to practice public accountancy in this state.

(g) Proceedings to appeal an administrative suspension order may be combined or coordinated with proceedings for revocation or discipline of a practice privilege.