§ 10-1001. Operating without license

   (a) Operation prohibited. -- A person may not operate a private, inpatient facility unless licensed by the Department.

(b) Penalty for facility operator. -- A person who operates a private, inpatient facility in violation of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $ 10,000.

(c) Penalty for employees, officers, or directors and other violators. -- An employee, officer, operator, or director of a private, inpatient facility or any other person, who knowingly participates in a violation of this section, is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $ 5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both.

(d) Additional liability. -- In addition to any other penalties specified in this section, an individual who is admitted or held against the individual's will by a person who is operating a private, inpatient facility without a license may recover civil damages from that person and from any other person who knowingly participates in the admission or detention.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 59, § 33, 36; 1982, ch. 21, § 2; 1995, ch. 3, § 1; 1996, ch. 10, § 1.