North Dakota Century Code Title 43. Occupations and Professions § 43-17-32.1. Temporary suspension--Appeal

1. When, based on verified evidence, the board determines by a clear and convincing standard that the evidence presented to the board indicates that the continued practice by the licensee would create a significant risk of serious and ongoing harm to the public while a disciplinary proceeding is pending, and that immediate suspension of the license is required to reasonably protect the public from that risk of harm, the board may order a temporary suspension ex parte. For purposes of this section, “verified evidence” means testimony taken under oath and based on personal knowledge. The board shall give prompt written notice of the suspension to the licensee, which must include a copy of the order and complaint, the date set for a full hearing, and a specific description of the nature of the evidence, including a list of all known witnesses and a description of any documents relied upon by the board in ordering the temporary suspension which, upon request, must be made available to the licensee.

2. An ex parte temporary suspension remains in effect until a final order is issued after a full hearing or appeal under this section or until the suspension is otherwise terminated by the board.

3. The board shall conduct a hearing on the merits of the allegations to determine what disciplinary action, if any, shall be taken against the licensee who is the subject of the ex parte suspension. That hearing must be held not later than thirty days from the issuance of the ex parte temporary suspension order. The licensee is entitled to a continuance of the thirty-day period upon request for a period determined by the hearing officer.

4. The licensee may appeal the ex parte temporary suspension order prior to the full hearing. For purposes of appeal, the district court shall decide whether the board acted reasonably or arbitrarily. The court shall give priority to the appeal for prompt disposition thereof.

5. Any medical record of a patient, or other document containing personal information about a patient, which is obtained by the board is a confidential record as defined in section 44-04-17.1.