How long do the details of the investigation and probable cause panel remain confidential?

• A. Until 10 days following a finding of probable cause
• B. Until the case is closed
• C. Indefinitely
• D. 6 months after investigation starts

Answer: (A)

Confidentiality is kept to protect both due process for the licensee and the integrity of the investigative process. Once the Probable Cause Panel finds probable cause, the details of the investigation and the panel’s deliberations stay confidential for a short, defined period—until 10 days after that finding. This brief window gives the licensee a chance to respond and allows the department to prepare any formal action or notices before information becomes public. Extending confidentiality to the entire case, indefinitely, or for several months would slow resolution and complicate due process, and waiting until the case is closed would cover far more time than is necessary. Therefore, the ten-day period after a probable cause finding is the intended duration.