Sec. 4. (a) The commissioner shall impose the following remedies for breaches of this article or a rule adopted under this article:

(1) For an offense, the remedies specified in subsection (b)(1) through (b)(2). The commissioner may also impose the remedy specified in subsection (b)(3).

(2) For a deficiency, the remedies specified in subsection (b)(1). The commissioner may also impose the remedies specified in subsection (b)(4).

(3) For a breach that is a repeat of the same deficiency within a fifteen (15) month period, the remedies specified in subsection (b)(1) through (b)(2). The commissioner may also impose the remedy specified in subsection (b)(3).

(4) For a noncompliance, the remedies specified in subsection (b)(5) through (b)(6).

(5) For a breach that is a repeat of the same noncompliance within a fifteen (15) month period, the remedies specified in subsection (b)(1). The commissioner may also impose the remedies specified in subsection (b)(4).

(6) For a nonconformance, the remedies specified in subsection (b)(5).

(7) For a breach that is a repeat of the same nonconformance within a fifteen (15) month period, the remedies specified in subsection (b)(5) through (b)(6).

     (b) The remedies for breaches of this article or rules adopted under this article are as follows:

(1) Issuance of an order for immediate correction of the breach.

(2) Imposition of a fine not to exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or suspension of new admissions to the health facility for a period not to exceed forty-five (45) days, or both.

(3) Revocation by the director of the health facility’s license or issuance of a probationary license.

(4) Imposition of a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) or suspension of new admissions to the health facility for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days, or both.

(5) A requirement that the health facility comply with any plan of correction approved or directed under section 7 of this chapter.

(6) If the health facility is found to have a pattern of breach, the commissioner may suspend new admissions to the health facility for a period not to exceed fifteen (15) days or impose a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both.

     (c) If a breach is immediately corrected and the commissioner has imposed remedies under subsection (b)(2), the commissioner may waive not more than fifty percent (50%) of the fine imposed and reduce the number of days for suspension of new admissions by one-half (1/2).

     (d) The commissioner may, with the concurrence of a licensed physician, impose the following:

(1) For an omission of care or an act that does not fall within a classification of a rule under this section and that the facility should reasonably have known would present a substantial probability that death or a life threatening condition will result, one (1) or any combination of the remedies specified in subsection (b)(1) through (b)(3).

(2) For an omission of care or an act that:

(A) does not fall within a classification of a rule under this section; and

(B) the facility should reasonably have known would result in an immediate or a direct, serious adverse effect on the health, safety, security, rights, or welfare of a patient;

the remedies specified in subsection (b)(1) or (b)(4), or both.

[Pre-1993 Recodification Citation: 16-10-4-15.1(d), (e), (f), (g).]

As added by P.L.2-1993, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.179-1993, SEC.6.