(a)  Proceedings to suspend or revoke licensure for grounds specified in Section 1416.77 shall be conducted in accordance with Section 100171. In the event of conflict between this chapter and Section 100171, Section 100171 shall prevail.

(b)  (1)  The program may temporarily suspend any license prior to any hearing if the action is necessary to protect the public welfare. The program shall notify the licensee of the temporary suspension and the effective date. Upon receipt of a notice of defense by the licensee, the department shall set the matter within 15 days. The administrative hearing conducted in accordance with Section 100171 shall be held as soon as possible but not later than 30 days after receipt of the notice. The temporary suspension shall remain in effect until the hearing is completed and the department has made a final determination on the merits. However, the temporary suspension shall be deemed vacated if the department fails to make a final determination on the merits of the action within 60 days after the original hearing has been completed. If the provisions of this chapter or the rules or regulations promulgated by the director are violated by a licensee, the director may suspend the license for the violation.

(2)  If the program determines that the temporary suspension shall become an actual suspension, the department shall specify the period of the suspension, not to exceed two years. The program may determine that the suspension shall be stayed, and place the licensee on probation for a period that shall not exceed two years.

(c)  The program may suspend or revoke a license prior to any hearing when immediate action is necessary in the judgment of the director to protect the public welfare. Proceedings for immediate revocation shall be conducted in accordance with Section 100171. The department shall set the matter for hearing within 15 days and hold the administrative hearing as soon as possible but not later than 30 calendar days from receipt of the request for a hearing. A written hearing decision upholding or setting aside the action shall be sent by certified mail to the licenseholder within 30 calendar days of the hearing.

(Added by Stats. 2001, Ch. 687, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2002.)