131E-307. Penalties and enforcement.

(a) The provisions of G.S. 58-2-70, modified to replace the word "Commissioner" by the word "Division", applies to this Article. The Division may, in addition to or in lieu of suspending or revoking a license under G.S. 131E-304, proceed under G.S. 58-2-70, as so modified, provided that the provider sponsored organization has a reasonable time within which to remedy the defect in its operations that gave rise to the procedure under G.S. 58-2-70.

(b) Any person who violates this Article shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

(c) If the Division shall for any reason have cause to believe that any violation of this Article has occurred or is threatened, the Division may give notice to the provider sponsored organization and to the representatives or other persons who appear to be involved in such suspected violation to arrange a conference with the alleged violators or their authorized representatives for the purpose of attempting to ascertain the facts relating to such suspected violation, and, in the event it appears that any violation has occurred or is threatened, to arrive at an adequate and effective means of correcting or preventing such violation.

Proceedings under this subsection shall not be governed by any formal procedural requirements and may be conducted in such manner as the Division may deem appropriate under the circumstances.

(d) The Division may issue an order directing a provider sponsored organization or a representative of a provider sponsored organization to cease and desist from engaging in any act or practice in violation of the provisions of this Article.

Within 30 days after service of the order of cease and desist, the respondent may request a hearing on the question of whether acts or practices in violation of this Article have occurred. These hearings shall be conducted pursuant to Chapter 150B of the General Statutes, and judicial review shall be available as provided by this Chapter.

(e) In the case of any violation of the provisions of this Article, if the Division elects not to issue a cease and desist order, or in the event of noncompliance with a cease and desist order issued pursuant to subsection (d) of this section, the Division may institute a proceeding to obtain injunctive relief, or seeking other appropriate relief, in the Superior Court of Wake County.