(a) The Executive Officer of the Dental Hygiene Board or his or her designee may issue a citation containing an order to pay a fine not to exceed $5,000 and an order of abatement against a licensee for any violation of Division 11 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations or any laws governing the practice of dental hygiene. A citation may be issued without either the assessment of a fine, or an order of abatement when determined by the Executive Officer or his or her designee.

(b) Each citation issued pursuant to subdivision (a) of this section or pursuant to Section 1141 shall be in writing and shall describe with particularity the nature and facts of each violation specified in the citation, including a reference to the law or regulation alleged to have been violated.

(c) The citation issued pursuant to subdivision (a) of this section or pursuant to Section 1141 shall be served upon the cited person either personally or by certified United States mail.