A. A behavioral health services provider shall not operate without a license issued by the department. Any provider or facility operating without a license shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined no less than two hundred fifty dollars nor more than one thousand dollars. Each day of violation shall constitute a separate offense. It shall be the responsibility of the department to inform the appropriate district attorney of the alleged violation to assure enforcement.
B. If a behavioral health services provider is operating without a license issued by the department, the department shall have the authority to issue an immediate cease and desist order to that provider. Any such provider receiving such a cease and desist order from the department shall immediately cease operations until such time as that provider is issued a license by the department.
C. The department shall seek an injunction in the Nineteenth Judicial District Court against any provider who receives a cease and desist order from the department under Subsection B of this Section and who does not cease operations immediately. Any provider against whom an injunction is granted shall be liable to the department for attorney fees, costs, and damages.