Sec. 10.07.02.76. Emergency Suspension

A. The Secretary may immediately suspend a license on finding that the public health, safety, or welfare imperatively requires emergency action pursuant to State Government Article, §10-405(b), Annotated Code of Maryland.

B. The Department shall deliver a written notice to the nursing facility:

(1) Informing the nursing facility of the emergency suspension;

(2) Giving the reasons for the action and the regulation or regulations with which the licensee has failed to comply that forms the basis for the emergency suspension; and

(3) Notifying the nursing facility of its right to request a hearing and to be represented by counsel.

C. The filing of a hearing request does not stay the emergency action.

D. When a license is suspended by emergency action:

(1) The nursing facility shall immediately return the license to the Department; and

(2) The licensee shall notify the residents or representatives of the residents of the suspension and make every reasonable effort to assist them in making arrangements for transfer to other appropriate living arrangements.

E. In the event of an emergency suspension, the Department may assist in the relocation of residents.

F. A person aggrieved by the action of the Secretary under this regulation may appeal the Secretary's action by filing a request for a hearing in accordance with Regulation .59 of this chapter.

G. The Office of Administrative Hearings shall conduct a hearing as provided in Regulation .59 of this chapter and issue a proposed decision within 10 business days of the close of the hearing record. Exceptions may be filed by an aggrieved person pursuant to COMAR 10.01.03. The Secretary shall make a final decision pursuant to COMAR 10.01.03.

H. If the Secretary's final decision does not uphold the emergency suspension, the nursing facility may resume operation.