Current through 2024 Legislative Session
Section 57-63-09 - Commissioner to administer chapter1. The commissioner is charged with the administration of this chapter and shall enforce the assessment, levy, and collection of assessments imposed under this chapter.2. For the purpose of ascertaining the correctness of a return or for the purpose of ascertaining the number of licensed beds of a facility, the commissioner shall examine or cause to be examined by an agent or representative designated by the commissioner any books, papers, records, or memoranda; require by subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses; issue and sign subpoenas; administer oaths; examine witnesses and receive evidence; and compel witnesses to produce for examination books, papers, records, and documents relating to any matter which the commissioner has the authority to investigate or determine.3. If the commissioner finds an officer or manager of a facility has made a fraudulent return, the costs of a hearing must be assessed to the facility. In all other cases, the costs must be paid by the state.4. The fees and mileage to be paid witnesses and assessed as costs must be the same as prescribed by law in proceedings in the district court of this state in civil cases. All costs must be assessed in the manner provided by law in proceedings in civil cases. When the costs are assessed to the facility, the costs must be added to the assessment charged against the facility and must be collected in the same manner. Costs assessed to the state must be certified by the commissioner to the state treasurer, who shall issue warrants for the amount of the costs.5. In cases of disobedience to a subpoena, the commissioner may invoke the aid of a court of competent jurisdiction in requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and production of records, books, papers, and documents. The court may issue an order requiring the person to appear before the commissioner and give evidence or produce records, books, papers, and documents. A failure to obey an order of the court may be punished by the court as contempt.6. Testimony on hearings before the commissioner may be taken by a deposition as in civil cases and an individual may be compelled to appear and depose in the same manner as witnesses may be compelled to appear and testify as provided by this section.