Any licensee against whom a civil penalty has been assessed under Kan. Stat. Ann. § 39-946, and amendments thereto, may appeal such assessment within 10 days after receiving a written notice of assessment by filing with the secretary for aging and disability services written notice of appeal specifying why such civil penalty should not be assessed. Such appeal shall not operate to stay the payment of the civil penalty. Upon receipt of the notice of appeal, the secretary for aging and disability services shall conduct a hearing in accordance with the provisions of the Kansas administrative procedure act. If the secretary for aging and disability services sustains the appeal, any civil penalties collected shall be refunded forthwith to the appellant licensee with interest at the rate established by Kan. Stat. Ann. § 16-204, and amendments thereto, from the date of payment of the civil penalties to the secretary for aging and disability services. If the secretary for aging and disability services denies the appeal and no appeal from the secretary is taken to the district court in accordance with the provisions of the Kansas judicial review act, the secretary for aging and disability services shall dispose of any civil penalties collected as provided in Kan. Stat. Ann. § 39-949, and amendments thereto.