A.  A behavioral health services provider shall not operate without a license issued by the department.   Any provider or facility operating without a license shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined no less than two hundred fifty dollars nor more than one thousand dollars.  Each day of violation shall constitute a separate offense.  It shall be the responsibility of the department to inform the appropriate district attorney of the alleged violation to assure enforcement.

B.  If a behavioral health services provider is operating without a license issued by the department, the department shall have the authority to issue an immediate cease and desist order to that provider.   Any such provider receiving such a cease and desist order from the department shall immediately cease operations until such time as that provider is issued a license by the department.

C.  The department shall seek an injunction in the Nineteenth Judicial District Court against any provider who receives a cease and desist order from the department under Subsection B of this Section and who does not cease operations immediately.  Any provider against whom an injunction is granted shall be liable to the department for attorney fees, costs, and damages.

Acts 2013, No. 308, §1, eff. June 17, 2013.