(a) The provisions of subsection (c) of Code Section 50-13-18 with respect to emergency action by a professional licensing board and summary suspension of a license are adopted and incorporated by reference into this Code section.

(b) Whenever a notice of summary suspension, notice of hearing, initial or recommended decision, or final decision of the board in a disciplinary proceeding is docketed, it shall be personally served upon the licensee or applicant or served by certified mail or statutory overnight delivery, return receipt requested, to the last known address of record with the board. If such material is served by certified mail or statutory overnight delivery and is returned marked "unclaimed" or "refused" or is otherwise undeliverable and if the licensee or applicant cannot, after reasonable effort, be located, the director for the board shall be deemed to be the agent for service for such licensee or applicant for purposes of this Code section and service upon the director shall be deemed to be service upon the licensee or applicant.

(c) If any licensee or applicant after reasonable notice fails to appear at any hearing of the board for that licensee or applicant, the board may proceed to hear the evidence against such licensee or applicant and take action as if such licensee or applicant had been present.