§ 8123. Suspension of certification.

(a) Temporary suspensions.--The department may temporarily suspend the certification of an EMS provider or EMS vehicle operator without a hearing if the department determines that the person is a clear and immediate danger to the public health and safety. Notice to a provider or operator of a temporary suspension shall include a written statement of the underlying factual allegations. After issuance of the notice, the department shall commence formal disciplinary action against the person under section 8121 (relating to certification sanctions) or 8122 (relating to emergency medical services vehicle operators). Within 30 days following the issuance of an order temporarily suspending the certification, the department shall conduct a preliminary hearing to determine if there is a prima facie case supporting the temporary suspension. The person may be present at the preliminary hearing and may be represented by counsel, cross-examine witnesses, inspect physical evidence, call witnesses and offer testimony and other evidence. If the department determines that there is not a prima facie case, the suspension shall be lifted immediately. If the department determines that there is a prima facie case, the temporary suspension shall remain in effect until vacated by the department, but not longer than 180 days unless agreed upon by the parties.

(b) Automatic suspensions.--The department shall automatically suspend a certification issued under this chapter upon receiving a certified copy of court records establishing that the person has been adjudicated as incapacitated under 20 Pa.C.S. § 5511 (relating to petition and hearing; independent evaluation) or an equivalent statutory provision. The department shall lift the suspension upon the person establishing to the department that the person has been adjudicated to have regained capacity under 20 Pa.C.S. § 5517 (relating to adjudication of capacity and modification of existing orders) or an equivalent statutory provision.