The state department may temporarily suspend any license issued under this chapter prior to any hearing, when it has determined that the action is necessary to protect the public welfare. The state department shall notify the licensee of the temporary suspension and the effective date thereof and at the same time shall serve the licensee with an accusation. Upon receipt of a notice of defense by the licensee, the matter shall, within 15 days, be set for hearing. The hearing shall be held as soon as possible but not later than 30 days after receipt of such notice. The temporary suspension shall remain in effect until such time as the hearing is completed and the state department has made a final determination on the merits. However, the temporary suspension shall be deemed vacated if the state department fails to make a final determination on the merits within 60 days after the original hearing has been completed.

(Added by Stats. 1991, Ch. 801, Sec. 2.)