641.25 Administrative penalty in lieu of suspension or revocation.

If the office finds that one or more grounds exist for the revocation or suspension of a certificate issued under this part, the office may, in lieu of revocation or suspension, impose a fine upon the health maintenance organization. With respect to any nonwillful violation, the fine must not exceed $2,500 per violation. Such fines may not exceed an aggregate amount of $25,000 for all nonwillful violations arising out of the same action. With respect to any knowing and willful violation of a lawful order or rule of the office or commission or a provision of this part, the office may impose upon the organization a fine in an amount not to exceed $20,000 for each such violation. Such fines may not exceed an aggregate amount of $250,000 for all knowing and willful violations arising out of the same action. The commission must adopt by rule penalty categories that specify varying ranges of monetary fines for willful violations and for nonwillful violations.

History: s. 9, ch. 72-264; s. 3, ch. 76-168; s. 1, ch. 77-457; s. 21, ch. 78-95; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 786, 804, 809(1st), ch. 82-243; s. 6, ch. 83-198; s. 7, ch. 87-236; s. 10, ch. 88-388; ss. 187, 188, ch. 91-108; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 21, ch. 96-199; s. 1567, ch. 2003-261.