(a) The power and discretion conferred by law upon the board to receive and file accusations; issue notices of hearing, statements to respondent and statements of issues; receive and file notices of defense; determine the time and place of hearings under Section 11508 of the Government Code; issue subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum; set and calendar cases for hearing and perform other functions necessary to the business-like dispatch of the business of the board in connection with proceedings under the provisions of Sections 11500 through 11528 of the Government Code, prior to the hearing of such proceedings; and the certification and delivery or mailing of copies of decisions under Section 11518 of said code are hereby delegated and conferred upon the executive officer, or, in his or her absence from the office of the board, the acting executive officer.

(b) The board delegates and confers upon its executive officer the authority to approve settlement agreements for the surrender or interim suspension of a license, registration, or permit, to investigate and evaluate each applicant for licensure under the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act (Act), and issue a license, registration, or permit in conformance with the provisions of the Act and these regulations.