Section 16-13-38. Procedure for denying, suspending, revoking, or limiting registration; automatic suspension

   (a) Before denying, suspending, revoking, or limiting registration, or refusing a renewal of registration, the State Board of Pharmacy shall serve upon the applicant or registrant an order to show cause why registration should not be denied, revoked, limited, or suspended, or why the renewal should not be refused. The order to show cause shall contain a statement of the basis therefor and shall call upon the applicant or registrant to appear before the State Board of Pharmacy at a time and place not less than 30 days after the date of service of the order; but in the case of a denial of renewal of registration the show cause order shall be served not later than 30 days before the expiration of the registration. These proceedings shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act," without regard to any criminal prosecution or other proceeding. Proceedings to refuse renewal or registration shall not abate the existing registration, which shall remain in effect pending the outcome of the administrative hearing.

(b) The State Board of Pharmacy shall suspend, without an order to show cause, any registration simultaneously with the institution of proceedings under Code Section 16-13-37 or where renewal of registration is refused if it finds that there is an imminent danger to the public health or safety which warrants this action. The suspension shall continue in effect until the conclusion of the proceedings, including judicial review thereof, unless sooner withdrawn by the State Board of Pharmacy or dissolved by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Code 1933, § 79A-817, enacted by Ga. L. 1974, p. 221, § 1; Ga. L. 1982, p. 3, § 16.