How is a citation served according to regulatory standards?

A citation must be served in writing and must include specific details about the violation for several important reasons. Written citations provide a clear and formal record of the alleged infractions being charged. This clarity allows practitioners to understand exactly what they are being cited for, including the nature of the violation, the relevant laws or regulations that have been breached, and any potential penalties associated with the citation.

This written documentation is essential for ensuring that practitioners have the opportunity to respond appropriately, either through rectification of the violation or through a formal appeal process. Without these details, there may be confusion regarding what actions need to be taken or how the violation can be remedied, ultimately impacting the fairness and transparency of the regulatory process.

While verbal communication may serve in certain contexts for informal discussions during inspections, it does not fulfill the requirement for formal citation serving as per regulatory standards, thus lacking in legal sufficiency and clarity. Digital communication methods, such as email, are not universally recognized as valid methods of serving citations unless explicitly stated in the regulations, and phone calls do not provide a permanent record of the citation.