21 NCAC 32V .0109. CIVIL PENALTIES

(a)  In carrying out its duties and obligations under G.S. 90-691 and G.S. 90-693, the following shall constitute aggravating factors:

(1)           Prior disciplinary actions

(2)           Patient harm

(3)           Dishonest or selfish motive

(4)           Submission of false evidence, false statements, or other deceptive practices during the disciplinary process

(5)           Vulnerability of victim

(6)           Refusal to admit wrongful nature of conduct

(7)           Willful or reckless misconduct

(8)           Pattern of misconduct (repeated instances of the same misconduct)

(9)           Multiple offenses (more than one instance of different misconduct)

(b)  The following shall constitute mitigating factors:

(1)           Absence of a prior disciplinary record

(2)           No patient harm

(3)           Absence of a dishonest or selfish motive

(4)           Full cooperation with the Committee

(5)           Physical or mental disability or impairment

(6)           Rehabilitation or remedial measures

(7)           Remorse

(8)           Remoteness of prior discipline

(c)  Before imposing and assessing a civil penalty, the Committee shall make a determination of whether the aggravating factors outweigh the mitigating factors, or whether the mitigating factors outweigh the aggravating factors.  After making such a determination, and if the Committee decides to impose a civil penalty, the Committee shall impose the civil penalty consistent with the following schedule:

(1)           First Offense:

                Presumptive Fine - $250.

                Finding of Mitigation $0 to $249.

                Finding of Aggravation $251 to $1,000.

(2)           Second Offense:

                Presumptive Fine - $500.

                Finding of Mitigation $0 to $499.

                Finding of Aggravation $501 to $1,000.

(3)           Third or More Offense:

                Presumptive Fine - $1000.

                Finding of Mitigation $0 to $999.

                Finding of Aggravation $1,000.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 90-685(1) and (3); 90-693(b)(4);

Eff. September 1, 2007.