32-1751. Cease and desist orders; injunctive relief

A. In addition to all other remedies, if after conducting an investigation, either on complaint or otherwise, and for good cause shown it appears to the board that any person has engaged in or is engaging in an act, practice or transaction that violates this chapter or any rule or order of the board, the board may do either of the following:

1. Serve on the person by certified mail or personal service a cease and desist order requiring the person to cease and desist immediately, on receipt of the notice, from engaging in the act, practice or transaction. If the board issues a cease and desist order it shall conduct a hearing within thirty days to determine whether the order should be continued or eliminated and to determine whether the board should take other appropriate action.

2. Through the attorney general or the county attorney of the county in which the violation is alleged to have occurred apply to the superior court in that county for an injunction restraining that person from engaging in the violation.

B. The court shall issue a temporary restraining order, a preliminary injunction or a permanent injunction without requiring the board to post a bond.

C. Service of process may be on the defendant in any county of this state where the defendant is found.

D. Violation of an injunction is punishable as contempt of court.

E. An injunction does not relieve a person practicing the profession of optometry without a license from criminal prosecution but is in addition to any remedy provided for the criminal prosecution.