37-1-403. Notice -- request for hearing. (1) If the department determines that reasonable cause exists supporting the allegation made in a complaint and the provisions of 37-1-321 do not apply, the department legal staff shall prepare a notice and serve the alleged violator. The notice may be served by certified mail to the current address on file with the department or by other means authorized by the Montana Rules of Civil Procedure.

(2) A licensee or license applicant shall give the department the licensee's or applicant's current address and any change of address within 30 days of the change.

(3) The notice must state that the licensee or license applicant may request a hearing to contest the charge or charges. A request for a hearing must be in writing and must be received in the offices of the department within 20 days after the licensee's receipt of the notice. Failure to request a hearing constitutes a default on the charge or charges, and the department may enter a decision on the basis of the facts available to it.