43-53-10.1. Temporary suspension - Appeal

43-53-10.1. Temporary suspension - Appeal 1. If, based on verified evidence, the board determines by a clear and convincing standard that the evidence presented to the board indicates the continued practice by a licensed marriage and family therapist or an associate marriage and family therapist would create significant risk of serious and ongoing harm to the public while a disciplinary proceeding is pending, and that immediate suspension of the licensed marriage and family therapist's license or the associate marriage and family therapist's license is required to reasonably protect the public from this risk of harm, the board may order a temporary suspension ex parte. a. For purposes of this section, "verified evidence" means testimony taken under oath and based on personal knowledge. b. The board shall give prompt written notice of the suspension to the licensed marriage and family therapist or associate marriage and family therapist which must include a copy of the order and complaint, the date set for a full hearing, and, upon request, a specific description of the nature of the evidence, including a list of all known witnesses. c. The board shall make available to the licensed marriage and family therapist or associate marriage and family therapist a specific description of any documents relied upon by the board in ordering the temporary suspension. 2. An ex parte suspension remains in effect until a final order is issued after an administrative hearing or appeal to the district court under this section or until the suspension is otherwise terminated by the board. 3. The board shall conduct an administrative hearing on the merits of the allegations to determine what disciplinary action, if any, will be taken against the licensed marriage and family therapist or associate marriage and family therapist who is the subject of the ex parte suspension. The administrative hearing must be held not later than thirty days from the issuance of the ex parte temporary suspension order. The licensed marriage and family therapist or associate marriage and family therapist is entitled to a continuance of the thirty-day period upon request for a period determined by the hearing officer. 4. The licensed marriage and family therapist or associate marriage and family therapist may appeal the ex parte temporary suspension order to the district court. On appeal, the district court shall decide whether the board acted reasonably or arbitrarily. The district court shall give priority to the appeal for prompt disposition. 5. Any medical record of a patient, or other document containing personal information about a patient, which is obtained by the board is an exempt record.