In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicted. Terms Defined. “Board” means the Board of Nursing. “Board member” means an individual appointed by the Governor to serve on the Board. “Charging document” means the notice from the Board pursuant to State Government Article, §10-208, Annotated Code of Maryland, which informs a licensee of an alleged violation or violations of a Board's statute by the licensee. “Complaint” means a communication to a Board of a possible violation of the disciplinary provisions outlined in Health Occupations Code, Title 8, Annotated Code of Maryland. “Conflict of interest” means a situation in which a personal interest of a Board member or a Board investigator presents a potential conflict with the public interest in connection with an anticipated public action or decision. “Ex parte communication” means a direct or indirect communication between a Board member and another party regarding the merits of an issue in a pending contested disciplinary case, if the communication is made outside the presence of the opposing party. “Investigator” means an individual who investigates complaints received by the Board. “Recusal” means nonparticipation of a Board member in a specific matter before the Board.