Sec 36-2245. Investigations; dispute resolution; informal interviews; hearings; stipulations; judicial review; civil penalty

A. The department may conduct an investigation into the operation of ambulances and ambulance services.

B. Proceedings under this section may be initiated by the department.

C. If the department receives a written and signed statement of dissatisfaction or dispute of charges or any matter relating to the regulation of ambulance services, the customer is deemed to have filed an informal complaint against the ambulance service. Within fifteen days of receipt of the complaint, a designated representative of the department shall inform the ambulance service that an informal complaint has been filed, state the nature of the allegations made, specify the purported rule violation and identify specific records relating to the purported rule violation that the ambulance service shall provide to the department. The ambulance service shall comply with the request for records in a timely manner.

D. Within forty-five days of receipt of the records, the department shall determine if the complaint is nonsubstantive or substantive.

E. If the department determines that a complaint filed pursuant to this section is nonsubstantive, it shall render a written decision to all parties within five days of that determination. The complainant may make a formal complaint to the department if the complainant disagrees with the department's decision. If the nonsubstantive complaint involves rates and charges, a designated representative of the department shall attempt to resolve the dispute by correspondence or telephone with the ambulance service and the customer.

F. If the department determines that a complaint filed pursuant to this section is substantive, the complaint becomes a formal complaint. The department shall inform the ambulance service that the initial investigation was substantive in nature and may warrant action pursuant to this article. The department shall inform the ambulance service of the specific rule violation and shall allow the ambulance service thirty days to answer the complaint in writing.

G. The department may issue a written request for an informal interview with the ambulance service if the department believes that the evidence indicates that grounds for action exist. The request shall state the reasons for the interview and shall schedule an interview at least ten days from the date that the department sends the request for an interview.

H. If the department determines that evidence warrants action or if the ambulance service refuses to attend the informal interview, the director shall institute formal proceedings and hold a hearing pursuant to title 41, chapter 6, article 10.

I. If the department believes that a lesser disciplinary action is appropriate, the department may enter into a stipulated agreement with the ambulance service. This stipulation may include a civil penalty as provided under subsection J of this section.

J. In addition to other disciplinary action provided under this section, the director may impose a civil penalty of not more than three hundred fifty dollars for each violation of this chapter that constitutes grounds to suspend or revoke a certificate of necessity. This penalty shall not exceed fifteen thousand dollars. Each day that a violation occurs constitutes a separate offense. The director shall deposit, pursuant to sections 35-146 and 35-147, all monies collected under this subsection in the emergency medical services operating fund established under section 36-2218.

K. The director may suspend a certificate of necessity without holding a hearing if the director determines that the certificate holder has failed to pay a civil penalty imposed under this section. The director shall reinstate the certificate of necessity when the certificate holder pays the penalty in full.

L. Except as provided in section 41-1092.08, subsection H, a final decision of the department pursuant to this section is subject to judicial review pursuant to title 12, chapter 7, article 6.

M. Information, documents and records received by the department or prepared by the department in connection with an investigation that is conducted pursuant to this article and that relates to emergency medical care technicians are confidential and are not subject to public inspection or civil discovery. When the investigation has been completed and the investigation file has been closed, the results of the investigation and the decision of the department shall be available to the public.