A. As used in this section, "special order" means an administrative order issued to any party licensed or funded by the Department that has a stated duration of not more than 12 months and that may include a civil penalty that shall not exceed $500 per violation per day, prohibition of new admissions, or reduction of licensed capacity for violations of § 37.2-400, the licensing or human rights regulations, or this article.

B. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, following a proceeding as provided in § 2.2-4019, the Commissioner may issue a special order for a violation of any of the provisions of § 37.2-400 or any regulation adopted under any provision of § 37.2-400 or of this article that adversely affects the human rights of individuals receiving services or poses an imminent and substantial threat to the health, safety, or welfare of individuals receiving services. The issuance of a special order shall be considered a case decision as defined in § 2.2-4001. The Commissioner shall not delegate his authority to impose civil penalties in conjunction with the issuance of special orders. The Commissioner may take the following actions to sanction public and private providers licensed or funded by the Department for noncompliance with § 37.2-400, the human rights regulations, or this article that are the subject of a special order:

1. Place any service of any such provider on probation upon finding that it is substantially out of compliance with the licensing or human rights regulations and that the health or safety of individuals receiving services is at risk.

2. Reduce licensed capacity or prohibit new admissions when he concludes that the provider cannot or will not make necessary corrections to achieve compliance with licensing or human rights regulations except by a temporary restriction of its scope of service.

3. Require that probationary status announcements and denial or revocation notices be of sufficient size and distinction and be posted in a prominent place at each public entrance of the affected service.

4. Mandate training for the provider's employees, with any costs to be borne by the provider, when he concludes that the lack of training has led directly to violations of licensing or human rights regulations.

5. Assess civil penalties of not more than $500 per violation per day upon finding that the licensed or funded provider is substantially out of compliance with the licensing or human rights regulations and that the health or safety of individuals receiving services is at risk.

6. Withhold funds from licensed or funded providers receiving public funds that are in violation of the licensing or human rights regulations upon finding that the licensed or funded provider is substantially out of compliance and that the health or safety of individuals receiving services is at risk.

C. The Commissioner shall inform other public agencies that provide funds to a provider, including the Departments of Social Services and Medical Assistance Services, that a special order has been issued in accordance with this section.

D. The Board shall adopt regulations to implement the provisions of this section.

1999, c. 969, § 37.1-185.1; 2001, cc. 486, 506; 2005, c. 716; 2012, cc. 476, 507; 2014, c. 497.