§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.