Each operator of a rooming or boarding house shall reside in the facility and shall be responsible for accepting service of any notices or orders issued by the commissioner pursuant to the provisions of this act. If an operator resigns, is dismissed or is otherwise unavailable to carry out his responsibilities, then the primary owner shall be deemed to be the operator of the facility until such time as the commissioner is notified of the appointment of a new operator, and shall have the same responsibilities and be subject to the same penalties otherwise prescribed for an operator under the provisions of this act.

L.1979, c. 496, s. 8.