If a licensee complies with a request after the issuance of charges, what will the Secretary decide?

When a licensee complies with a request after charges have been issued, the Secretary has the discretion to either prosecute or settle the case. This means that compliance can influence the outcome of the proceedings. If the licensee shows good faith by cooperating with the request, it may lead the Secretary to consider a settlement option rather than pursuing full prosecution of the case. This reflects the regulatory body's focus on compliance and willingness to work collaboratively with licensees who demonstrate that they are taking the matter seriously and are actively working to address any issues.

In this context, prosecution would involve formal action against the licensee, which could include a hearing or disciplinary measures. Settling might include agreements that allow the licensee to rectify any concerns without further legal proceedings. It is important to note that the act of compliance does not automatically lead to dismissal of the charges, escalation of the proceedings, or imposition of additional fees, as those scenarios typically pertain to different circumstances or outcomes in the disciplinary process.