(a) The department may investigate allegations of violations of this chapter. The department may, upon finding a violation of this chapter or any regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter, do any of the following:

(1) Assess a penalty upon an alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facility licensed under this part.

(2) Suspend or revoke the license of an alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facility licensed under Chapter 7.5 (commencing with Section 11834.01), or deny an application for licensure, extension of the licensing period, or modification to a license. Article 4 (commencing with Section 11834.35) of Chapter 7.5 shall apply to any action taken pursuant to this paragraph.

(3) Assess a penalty upon an alcohol or other drug outpatient program certified by the department in accordance with the alcohol or other drug certification standards established pursuant to Section 11830.1.

(4) Suspend or revoke the certification of an alcohol or other drug outpatient program certified by the department in accordance with the alcohol or other drug certification standards established pursuant to Section 11830.1.

(5) Suspend or revoke the registration or certification of a counselor for a violation of this chapter.

(b) The department may investigate allegations against a licensed professional providing counseling services at an alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment program licensed, certified, or funded under this part, and recommend disciplinary actions, including, but not limited to, termination of employment at a program and suspension and revocation of licensure by the respective licensing board.

(c) The department shall establish an enforcement program focused on the oversight duties of this chapter. Staff of the enforcement program shall have responsibilities including, but not limited to, all of the following:

(1) Provide the department with analytical support for the development and administration of this chapter.

(2) Provide the department with general oversight and monitoring focused on investigations and enforcement of this chapter.

(3) Provide the department with legal guidance in the interpretation of this chapter.

(d) Notwithstanding the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code), the department may, if it deems appropriate, implement, interpret, or make specific this section by means of provider bulletins, written guidelines, or similar instructions from the department, until regulations are adopted.

(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 811, Sec. 3. (AB 919) Effective January 1, 2020.)