Maine Revised Statutes

1. Oversight.  The division shall place primary emphasis on ensuring effective corrective action by the facility.

2. Penalties.  When the division determines that a health care facility failed to report a sentinel event pursuant to this chapter, the health care facility is subject to a penalty imposed in conformance with Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 4 and payable to the State of not more than $10,000 per violation. If the facility in good faith notified the division of a suspected sentinel event and the division later determines it is a sentinel event, the facility is not subject to a penalty for that event. Funds collected pursuant to this section must be deposited in a dedicated special revenue account to be used to support sentinel event reporting and education.

3. Administrative hearing and appeal.  To contest the imposition of a penalty under this section, a health care facility must submit to the division a written request for an administrative hearing within 10 days of notice of imposition of a penalty pursuant to this section. Judicial appeal must be in accordance with Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 7.

4. Injunction.  Notwithstanding any other remedies provided by law, the Office of the Attorney General may seek an injunction to require compliance with the provisions of this chapter.

5. Enforcement.  The Office of the Attorney General may file a complaint with the District Court seeking injunctive relief for violations of this chapter.