Virginia Law

A. This chapter shall be enforced by the board and the commissioner, as executive officer of the board.

B. All persons shall operate in compliance with the requirements set forth in this chapter and shall not operate without a valid license or permit.

C. Pursuant to the authority granted in § 32.1-224 of the Code of Virginia, the commissioner may issue orders to require any license or permit holder or other person to comply with the provisions of this chapter. The order may require the following:

1. The immediate cessation and correction of the violation;

2. Appropriate remedial action to ensure that the violation does not continue or recur;

3. The submission of a plan to prevent future violations;

4. Any other corrective action deemed necessary for proper compliance with the regulations, and safety and health of the consumers of the Commonwealth.

D. Before the issuance of an order, the commissioner must comply with the requirements of § 32.1-26 of the Code of Virginia.

E. All orders issued pursuant to subsection C of this section shall become effective not less than 15 days after mailing a copy thereof by certified mail to the last known address of the license or permit holder or person violating this chapter.

F. The commissioner may act as the agent of the board to enforce all effective orders and these regulations. Should any license or permit holder fail to comply with any effective order or these regulations, the commissioner may:

1. Institute a proceeding to revoke the license or permit in accordance with 12VAC5-125-60;

2. Request the attorney for the Commonwealth to bring a criminal action;

3. Request the Attorney General to bring an action for civil penalty, injunction, or other appropriate remedy; or

4. Do any combination of the above.

G. Not exclusive means of enforcement. Nothing contained in this section shall be interpreted to require the commissioner to issue an order prior to seeking enforcement of any regulations or statute through an injunction, mandamus or criminal prosecution.

H. Hearings before the commissioner or his designee shall include any of the following forms depending on the nature of the controversy and the interests of the parties involved:

1. Informal hearings. An informal hearing is a meeting with the Bedding Program Supervisor presiding and held in conformance with § 2.2-4019 of the Code of Virginia.

2. Adjudicatory hearing. The adjudicatory hearing is a formal, public adjudicatory proceeding before the commissioner, or his designated hearing officer, and held in conformance with § 2.2-4020 of the Code of Virginia.