Service of Process, Address Reporting, and Public Records
Address of record and service
Licensees must keep the Board informed of a current mailing address. The address of record is the official channel for renewal notices, complaints, orders and other process. Under the Board's rules, service by mail to the address of record can be valid even if the licensee did not actually receive it. A move requires a prompt address update; a forwarding order is not a substitute.
Public records
License status, license number, disciplinary actions and final orders are generally public. Investigative files and preliminary complaint information may be confidential until the Board takes action. Requests for records are handled under Montana public-records law, with fees and exemptions applied. The Board may publish meeting materials and orders.
Worked example
A licensee moves, does not update the address, and the Board mails a complaint to the old address. Reasoning: the Board may treat service as complete at the address of record. The licensee cannot avoid discipline by claiming no actual notice if the rule makes the recorded address sufficient. The remedy is to update the address and respond promptly.
Traps
- Relying on mail forwarding instead of updating the Board.
- Assuming all complaint records are public.
- Assuming no public access before a final order.
- Missing a deadline because a notice went to an old address.
- Failing to update a business or email address if the Board requires it.