North Dakota Century Code Title 43. Occupations and Professions § 43-28-18.3. 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 dentist 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 dentist's 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 to the dentist of the ex parte temporary suspension, which must include a copy of the order and complaint, the date set for a full hearing on the merits of the evidence that resulted in the ex parte temporary suspension, 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 ex parte temporary suspension which, upon request, must be made available to the dentist.

2. Unless the ex parte temporary suspension is otherwise terminated by the board, an ex parte temporary suspension remains in effect until a final order is issued following a full hearing on the merits conducted under chapter 28-32 or following an appeal under this section.

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

4. The dentist may appeal the ex parte temporary suspension order before the full hearing on the merits occurs. The appeal must be filed with the district court of Burleigh County. The district court shall decide whether the board acted reasonably or arbitrarily when ordering the ex parte temporary suspension. The district court shall give priority to the appeal for prompt disposition.

5. A dental or medical record of a patient, or other document containing personal information relating to a patient, obtained by the board is confidential.