EMERGENCY SUSPENSION OR CLOSING ORDER

(a) If the department finds an assisted living facility operating in violation of the standards prescribed by this chapter and the violations create an immediate threat to the health and safety of a resident in the facility, the department may suspend the license or order immediate closing of all or part of the facility. (b) The order suspending a license under Subsection (a) is effective immediately on written notice to the license holder or on the date specified in the order. (c) The order suspending the license and ordering closure of all or part of an assisted living facility is valid for 10 days after its effective date. (d) The department shall provide for the relocation of residents of an assisted living facility that is closed. The relocation may not be to a facility with a more restrictive environment unless all other reasonable alternatives are exhausted. Relocation procedures shall be adopted as part of the memorandum of understanding adopted under Section 247.061. (e) The department and the State Office of Administrative Hearings shall expedite any hearing or decision involving an emergency suspension or closing order issued under this section.