(a) (1) The Legislature hereby finds and declares that the dispensing or furnishing of drugs requiring a prescription pursuant to Section 11470, a controlled substance as defined in Section 4021 of the Business and Professions Code, or a dangerous drug or a dangerous device as defined in Section 4022 of the Business and Professions Code, without a license poses a significant threat to the public health, safety, and welfare of all residents of the state. In recent years, the public has become increasingly exposed to a proliferation of persons who engage in these illegal or dangerous acts.
(2) The Legislature further finds and declares that extraordinary measures are needed to control this burgeoning problem. Therefore, the occasional enlistment of local health officers in regulatory and enforcement functions normally reserved to the state is appropriate and necessary in order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of all persons of this state.
(3) Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing contained in this section shall be construed as limiting or supplanting the authority of the state agencies charged with the regulation of the practice of pharmacy.
(b) Whenever a local health officer determines that there exists in his or her jurisdiction any person who, without a license, is dispensing or furnishing drugs requiring a prescription pursuant to Section 111470, a controlled substance as defined in Section 4021 of the Business and Professions Code, or a dangerous drug or a dangerous device as defined in Section 4022 of the Business and Professions Code, the local health officer may take action against such person. This action shall include, but not be limited to:
(1) Receiving and investigating complaints from the public, from other licensees or from health care facilities that a person is engaging in any or all of the activity set forth in this subdivision. In conducting any investigation pursuant to this paragraph, the local health officer shall have the assistance of, and be accompanied by, a licensed pharmacist. The local health officer shall provide the Board of Pharmacy, and any other state agency charged with jurisdiction over the activity set forth in this subdivision, with a copy of all complaints received pursuant to this paragraph.
(2) Issuing an order to the person to immediately cease and desist from the unlawful activity described in this subdivision, after confirming that the person is engaging in any or all of the activity set forth in this subdivision, and determining that the person has not been convicted of engaging in that activity pursuant to Section 11352.1 or any other applicable provision of law. In issuing the order, the local health officer shall notify the person that the activity is illegal in the State of California. In the event the local health officer determines that any or all of the items described in this subdivision must be confiscated, in addition to the cease and desist order, the local health officer shall enlist the aid of local law enforcement to execute confiscation of those items.
(3) Order the closure of the business, if any, operated, managed, or owned by the person after confirming that the person is engaging in any or all of the activity set forth in this subdivision, and determining whether the person has previously been convicted of engaging in that activity pursuant to Section 11352.1 or any other applicable provision of law. If the public health officer has a reasonable suspicion that the operation of a business poses an immediate threat to public health, welfare, or safety, the business may be ordered closed immediately while the hearing described in subdivision (c) is pending. Immediate danger to the public health, welfare, or safety includes, but is not limited to, evidence that the person is providing, selling, or distributing drugs that require a prescription, or dangerous drugs, devices, or controlled substances without a license. In the event that the local health officer determines that any or all of the items described in this subdivision must be confiscated in addition to the closure of the business, that officer shall enlist the aid of local law enforcement to execute the confiscation of those items.
(c) (1) Any person engaging in any or all of the activity described in subdivision (b) whose business is closed as a result of action by local health officer pursuant to subdivision (b) shall be entitled to a hearing to show cause why the closure was unwarranted.
(2) Whenever a local health officer orders the closure of a business pursuant to subdivision (b), the local health officer shall immediately issue to the owner a notice setting forth the acts or omissions with which the owner is charged, specifying the pertinent code section, and informing the owner of the right to a hearing, if requested, to show cause why the business should not be closed.
(3) A written request for a hearing shall be submitted by the person to the local health officer within 15 calendar days of closure. A failure to request a hearing within 15 calendar days of closure shall be deemed a waiver of the right to a hearing.
(4) The hearing shall be held within 15 calendar days of the receipt of a request for a hearing; however, when circumstances warrant, the hearing officer may order a hearing at any reasonable time within this 15-day period to expedite the hearing process. Upon written request of the person, the hearing officer may postpone any hearing date, if circumstances warrant the postponement.
(5) The hearing officer shall issue a written notice of decision to the person within five working days following the hearing. In the event the hearing officer determines that the closure was warranted, the notice shall specify the acts or omissions with which the person is charged, and shall state that the business shall remain closed permanently. Evidence that the person engaged in any or all of the activity set forth in subdivision (b) shall constitute prima facie evidence that permanent closure is warranted. Any business still operating shall close immediately upon receipt of the written decision ordering closure.
(Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 350, Sec. 2. Effective September 8, 2000.)