Missouri § 327.077 - Civil penalties may be imposed, when — amount, limit, determination of — settlement requirements.

§ 327.077. Civil penalties may be imposed, when — amount, limit, determination of — settlement requirements.

1.  In disciplinary actions against licensed or unlicensed persons, the board may issue an order imposing a civil penalty.  Such penalty shall not be imposed until the findings of fact and conclusions of law by the administrative hearing commission have been delivered to the board in accordance with section 621.110.  Further, no civil penalty shall commence until a formal meeting and vote by the board has been taken to impose such a penalty.

2.  A civil penalty imposed under this section shall not exceed five thousand dollars for each offense.  Each day of a continued violation constitutes a separate offense, with a maximum penalty of twenty-five thousand dollars.  In determining the amount of penalty to be imposed, the board may consider any of the following:

(1)  Whether the amount imposed will be a substantial deterrent to the violation;

(2)  The circumstances leading to the violation;

(3)  The severity of the violation and the risk of harm to the public;

(4)  The economic benefits gained by the violator as a result of noncompliance;

(5)  The interest of the public.

3.  Any final order imposing a civil penalty is subject to judicial review upon the filing of a petition under section 536.100 by any person subject to the penalty.

4.  Payment of a civil penalty shall be made within sixty days of filing the order, or if the order is stayed pending an appeal within ten days after the court enters a final judgment in favor of the board.  If the penalty is not timely paid, the board shall notify the attorney general.  The attorney general may commence an action to recover the amount of the penalty, including reasonable attorney fees and costs and a surcharge of fifteen percent of the penalty plus ten percent per annum on any amounts owed.  In such action, the validity and appropriateness of the final order imposing the civil penalty shall not be subject to review.

5.  An action to enforce an order under this section may be joined with an action for an injunction.

6.  Any offer of settlement to resolve a civil penalty under this section shall be in writing, state that an action for imposition of a civil penalty may be initiated by the attorney general representing the board under this section, and identify any dollar amount as an offer of settlement, which shall be negotiated in good faith through conference, conciliation, and persuasion.

7.  Failure to pay a civil penalty by any person licensed under this chapter shall be grounds for refusing to renew or denying reinstatement of a license or certificate of authority.

8.  Penalties collected under this section shall be handled in accordance with Section 7 of Article IX of the Missouri Constitution.  Such penalties shall not be considered a charitable contribution for tax purposes.

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(L. 2007 H.B. 780 merged with S.B. 308)

---- end of effective  28 Aug 2007 ----

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