§2180.27. Operation without license; penalty

            A. A free-standing birth center shall not operate without a license issued by the department. Any center or facility operating without a license in violation of these provisions shall be charged with a misdemeanor. Upon conviction, that center shall be fined no less than two hundred fifty dollars and no more than one thousand dollars. Each day of violation shall constitute a separate offense. It shall be the responsibility of the department to inform the appropriate district attorney of the alleged violation to ensure enforcement.

            B. If a free-standing birth center is operating without a license issued by the department, the department shall have the authority to issue an immediate cease and desist order to the center. Any center receiving a cease and desist order from the department shall immediately cease operations until such time as that provider is issued a license by the department.

            C. The department shall seek an injunction in the Nineteenth Judicial District Court against any provider or center who receives a cease and desist order from the department, as provided in Subsection B of this Section, and who does not immediately cease operations. Any provider or center against whom an injunction is granted shall be liable to the department for attorney fees, costs, and damages.

            Acts 2019, No. 332, §1, eff. June 11, 2019.