(a) The department may issue citations pursuant to this section containing orders of abatement and assessing civil penalties against any entity that violates Section 1771.2 or 1793.5.
(b) If upon inspection or investigation, the department has probable cause to believe that an entity is violating Section 1771.2 or 1793.5, the department may issue a citation to that entity. Each citation shall be in writing and shall describe with particularity the basis of the citation. Each citation shall contain an order of abatement. In addition to the administrative fines imposed pursuant to Section 1793.27, an entity that violates the abatement order shall be liable for a civil penalty in the amount of two hundred dollars ($200) per day for violation of the abatement order.
(c) The civil penalty authorized in subdivision (b) shall be imposed if a continuing care retirement community is operated without a provisional certificate of authority or certificate of authority and the operator refuses to seek a certificate of authority or the operator seeks a certificate of authority and the application is denied and the operator continues to operate the continuing care retirement community without a provisional certificate of authority or certificate of authority, unless other remedies available to the department, including prosecution, are deemed more appropriate by the department.
(d) Service of a citation issued under this section may be made by certified mail at the last known business address or residence address of the entity cited.
(e) Within 15 days after service of a citation under this section, an entity may appeal in writing to the department with respect to the violations alleged, the scope of the order of abatement, or the amount of civil penalty assessed.
(f) If the entity cited fails without good cause to appeal in writing to the department within 15 business days after service of the citation, the citation shall become a final order of the department. The department may extend the 15-day period for good cause, to a maximum of 15 additional days.
(g) If the entity cited under this section makes a timely appeal of the citation, the department shall provide an opportunity for a hearing. The department shall thereafter issue a decision, based on findings of fact, affirming, modifying, or vacating the citation or directing other appropriate relief. The proceedings under this section shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, and the department shall have all the powers granted therein.
(h) After exhaustion of the review procedures specified in this section, the department may apply to the appropriate superior court for a judgment in the amount of the civil penalty and an order compelling the cited entity to comply with the order of abatement. The application, which shall include a certified copy of the final order of the department shall be served upon the cited entity who shall have five business days to file that entity’s response in writing in the superior court. This period may be extended for good cause. Failure on the part of the cited entity to respond shall constitute grounds for entry of a default judgment against that entity. In the event a response is timely filed in superior court, the action shall have priority for trial over all other civil matters.
(i) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the department may waive part or all of the civil penalty if the entity against whom the civil penalty is assessed satisfactorily completes all the requirements for, and is issued, a provisional certificate of authority or certificate of authority.
(j) Civil penalties recovered pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the Continuing Care Provider Fee Fund.
(Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 820, Sec. 59. Effective January 1, 2001.)