When a licensee fails to appear in person at a hearing after proper notice has been given, the commission has the authority to proceed with the hearing in the absence of the licensee. This means that the commission may still evaluate the evidence, hear the testimony of witnesses, and make a determination regarding the case without the licensee being present to defend themselves.
This approach ensures that the process continues efficiently, allowing the commission to uphold its duties and responsibilities without unnecessary delays. If the licensee does not appear, they may miss the opportunity to present their side of the case, which could impact the outcome significantly.
The other options present different scenarios that do not align with the established practices in such hearings. Rescheduling would imply that the commission is willing to delay proceedings, which is not the standard procedure in these situations. An automatic suspension would require a specific violation or circumstances leading to such a consequence, while a dismissal of the case typically requires that procedural errors or other grounds be met, not merely the absence of the licensee. Thus, the option that the commission may proceed without the licensee accurately reflects the procedural norms in regulatory hearings.