Sec. 264.0115.  ALTERNATIVE INFORMAL ASSESSMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY.  (a)  The board by rule may establish procedures for the alternative informal assessment of administrative penalties for violations of this subtitle that do not involve the provision of direct patient care by a person licensed or regulated under this subtitle.
(b)  A penalty assessed under this section may consist only of a monetary penalty that does not exceed $1,000 for each violation.  The total amount of penalties assessed against a person under this section may not exceed $3,000 in a calendar year.  If the board establishes penalties under this section, the board by rule shall adopt a standardized schedule of the penalties.
(c)  The assessment of a penalty under this section is not valid unless the person against whom the penalty is assessed receives a notice of violation that contains at a minimum:
(1)  a clear statement of the violation, including a citation to the relevant section of this subtitle;
(2)  the amount of the penalty assessed for each violation; and
(3)  a statement that the person may either pay the penalty or appeal the penalty in writing.
(d)  If the board establishes penalties under this section, the board shall establish procedures for categorizing the penalties.
(e)  A person who is assessed an administrative penalty under this section is entitled to a hearing under Chapter 2001, Government Code.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 772 (S.B. 887), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2009.