Expedited Settlement Process

Colorado.gov

Mission

The mission of the Office of Expedited Settlement (ESP) is to expedite the resolution of disciplinary cases for the health, allied health, business and technical programs of the Division of Registrations. Resolution of disciplinary actions through stipulation without litigation is meant to expedite the resolution of disciplinary actions, while at the same time minimizing the associated legal costs of settling these actions.

Process

This process begins with a complaint being reviewed by the board. If the board determines disciplinary action is necessary, the board determines the sanction to be offered the Respondent. ESP will then contact the Respondent to discuss the offered sanction with the opportunity to sign a stipulation. If the Respondent accepts the terms of the stipulation, the Respondent signs the document, returns it to ESP, and the matter is then closed in ESP and processed through the board staff. If the offer is rejected, or the Respondent fails to respond, the matter is closed in ESP and sent to the Office of the Attorneys General for a hearing.

The Office of Expedited Settlement does not practice law; rather it merely assists the Board or Director in the delivery of settlement proposals.

Consumer Information

Confidentiality: The ESP process is strictly confidential until all matters are issued a final agency order. Complainants and/or the general public will not be able to receive information about pending cases until final disposition. Consumers seeking specific information about pending or final cases must direct all such inquiries to the Board or Director staff.

Attorney Issues: Many respondents are able to resolve their complaints without the use of an attorney; however, it is the choice of the respondent to hire counsel. ESP staff does not practice law and are not permitted to give legal advice under any circumstances.

If the respondent does retain counsel, ESP should be notified immediately and all correspondence will be directed to both the respondent and counsel. ESP staff will not interfere with the attorney-client relationship; but, it is our policy to notify the respondent of all our correspondence. If we have knowledge of counsel, we will do our best to correspond with counsel as well.