Which is the final stage of the disciplinary process?

• A. RVN preliminary investigation
• B. RVN disciplinary committee
• C. External review board
• D. Assessment and investigation

Answer: (B)

The final stage is when the RVN disciplinary committee holds a formal hearing and makes a binding decision on the case. After initial fact-finding in a preliminary investigation and the evidence review in assessment and investigation, the disciplinary committee assembles to determine whether professional misconduct occurred and to decide on the appropriate sanctions. These sanctions can range from a reprimand to probation, suspension, or removal from the register, depending on the findings and the severity of the issue. An external review board, if involved, usually handles appeals or external oversight rather than the original adjudication, so it isn’t the concluding stage of the internal process.