(a) Subject to subsection (b) of this section, the Department shall have the authority to deny a new or renewal application for a certificate, and to amend, recall, suspend, or revoke an existing certificate upon a determination that there has been a substantial failure to comply with the provisions of this Article or any rules promulgated under this Article.

(b) The provisions of Chapter 150B of the N.C. Gen. Stat. shall govern all administrative action and judicial review in cases where the Department has taken action as described in subsection (a) of this section. A petition for a contested case shall be filed within 30 days after the Department mails the certificate holder a notice of its decision to deny a renewal application, or to recall, suspend, or revoke an existing certificate. (1999-443, s. 1.)