Before the Commission may suspend or revoke a license, what must occur?

The requirement for the Commission to provide a hearing before suspending or revoking a license is rooted in the principles of due process. A hearing ensures that the licensee has an opportunity to present their case, respond to the allegations, and defend their rights before any disciplinary action is taken. This process is designed to ensure fairness and transparency, allowing both the Commission and the licensee to articulate their positions and provide relevant evidence.

The other options, although they involve different processes or consequences, do not fulfill the fundamental requirement of due process prior to disciplinary actions. Notification by mail may be part of the communication process, but it does not substitute for a hearing. Similarly, paying a fine or surrendering the license does not offer the licensee the opportunity to contest any claims or present their side of the story. Thus, having a hearing is essential and serves as a critical step to protect the rights of licensees before any action can be imposed.