(1) In addition to the other powers provided by this part, authorizing statutes, and applicable rules, the agency may institute injunction proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction to:

(a) Restrain or prevent the establishment or operation of a provider that does not have a license or is in violation of any provision of this part, authorizing statutes, or applicable rules. The agency may also institute injunction proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction when a violation of this part, authorizing statutes, or applicable rules constitutes an emergency affecting the immediate health and safety of a client.

(b) Enforce the provisions of this part, authorizing statutes, or any minimum standard, rule, or order issued or entered into pursuant thereto when the attempt by the agency to correct a violation through administrative sanctions has failed or when the violation materially affects the health, safety, or welfare of clients or involves any operation of an unlicensed provider.

(c) Terminate the operation of a provider when a violation of any provision of this part, authorizing statutes, or any standard or rule adopted pursuant thereto exists that materially affects the health, safety, or welfare of a client.

Such injunctive relief may be temporary or permanent.

(2) If action is necessary to protect clients of providers from immediate, life-threatening situations, the court may allow a temporary injunction without bond upon proper proofs being made. If it appears by competent evidence or a sworn, substantiated affidavit that a temporary injunction should be issued, the court, pending the determination on final hearing, shall enjoin the operation of the provider.

History.—s. 5, ch. 2006-192.