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2005 North Carolina Code - General Statutes Article 1 - Definitions, General Provisions and Remedies.

Chapter 130A.

Public Health.

Article 1.

Definitions, General Provisions and Remedies.

Part 1. General Provisions.

§ 130A‑1.� Title.

This Chapter shall be known as the Public Health Law of North Carolina. (1983, c. 891, s. 2.)

§ 130A‑1.1.� Mission and essential services.

(a)�� The General Assembly recognizes that unified purpose and direction of the public health system is necessary to ensure that all citizens in the State have equal access to essential public health services. The General Assembly declares that the mission of the public health system is to promote and contribute to the highest level of health possible for the people of North Carolina by:

(1)�� Preventing health risks and disease;

(2)�� Identifying and reducing health risks in the community;

(3)�� Detecting, investigating, and preventing the spread of disease;

(4)�� Promoting healthy lifestyles;

(5)�� Promoting a safe and healthful environment;

(6)�� Promoting the availability and accessibility of quality health care services through the private sector; and

(7)�� Providing quality health care services when not otherwise available.

(b)�� As used in this section, the term "essential public health services" means those services that the State shall ensure because they are essential to promoting and contributing to the highest level of health possible for the citizens of North Carolina. The Departments of Environment and Natural Resources and Health and Human Services shall attempt to ensure within the resources available to them that the following essential public health services are available and accessible to all citizens of the State, and shall account for the financing of these services:

(1)�� Health Support:

a.�� Assessment of health status, health needs, and environmental risks to health;

b.�� Patient and community education;

c.�� Public health laboratory;

d.�� Registration of vital events;

(2)�� Environmental Health:

a.�� Lodging and institutional sanitation;

b.�� On‑site domestic sewage disposal;

c.�� Water and food safety and sanitation; and

(3)�� Personal Health:

a.�� Child health;

b.�� Chronic disease control;

c.�� Communicable disease control;

d.�� Dental public health;

e.�� Family planning;

f.�� Health promotion and risk reduction;

g.�� Maternal health.

The Commission for Health Services shall determine specific services to be provided under each of the essential public health services categories listed above.

(c)�� The General Assembly recognizes that there are health‑related services currently provided by State and local government and the private sector that are important to maintaining a healthy social and ecological environment but that are not included on the list of essential public health services required under this section. Omission of these services from the list of essential public health services shall not be construed as an intent to prohibit or decrease their availability. Rather, such omission means only that the omitted services may be more appropriately assured by government agencies or private entities other than the public health system.

(d)�� The list of essential public health services required by this section shall not be construed to limit or restrict the powers and duties of the Commission for Health Services or the Departments of Environment and Natural Resources and Health and Human Services as otherwise conferred by State law. (1991, c. 299, s. 1; 1997‑443, s. 11A.54.)

§ 130A‑2.� Definitions.

The following definitions shall apply throughout this Chapter unless otherwise specified:

(1)�� "Accreditation board" or "Board" means the Local Health Department Accreditation Board.

(1a)�� "Commission" means the Commission for Health Services.

(1b)�� "Communicable condition" means the state of being infected with a communicable agent but without symptoms.

(1c)�� "Communicable disease" means an illness due to an infectious agent or its toxic products which is transmitted directly or indirectly to a person from an infected person or animal through the agency of an intermediate animal, host, or vector, or through the inanimate environment.

(2)�� "Department" means the Department of Health and Human Services.

(3)�� "Imminent hazard" means a situation that is likely to cause an immediate threat to human life, an immediate threat of serious physical injury, an immediate threat of serious adverse health effects, or a serious risk of irreparable damage to the environment if no immediate action is taken.

(3a)�� "Isolation authority" means the authority to issue an order to limit the freedom of movement or action of persons or animals that are infected or reasonably suspected to be infected with a communicable disease or communicable condition for the period of communicability to prevent the direct or indirect conveyance of the infectious agent from the person or animal to other persons or animals who are susceptible or who may spread the agent to others.

(4)�� "Local board of health" means a district board of health or a public health authority board or a county board of health.

(5)�� "Local health department" means a district health department or a public health authority or a county health department.

(6)�� "Local health director" means the administrative head of a local health department appointed pursuant to this Chapter.

(6a)�� "Outbreak" means an occurrence of a case or cases of a disease in a locale in excess of the usual number of cases of the disease.

(7)�� "Person" means an individual, corporation, company, association, partnership, unit of local government or other legal entity.

(7a)�� "Quarantine authority" means the authority to issue an order to limit the freedom of movement or action of persons or animals which have been exposed to or are reasonably suspected of having been exposed to a communicable disease or communicable condition for a period of time as may be necessary to prevent the spread of that disease. Quarantine authority also means the authority to issue an order to limit access by any person or animal to an area or facility that may be contaminated with an infectious agent. The term also means the authority to issue an order to limit the freedom of movement or action of persons who have not received immunizations against a communicable disease when the State Health Director or a local health director determines that the immunizations are required to control an outbreak of that disease.

(8)�� "Secretary" means the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

(9)�� "Unit of local government" means a county, city, consolidated city‑county, sanitary district or other local political subdivision, authority or agency of local government.

(10)�� "Vital records" means birth, death, fetal death, marriage, annulment and divorce records registered under the provisions of Article 4 of this Chapter. (1957, c. 1357, s. 1; 1963, c. 492, ss. 5, 6; 1967, c. 343, s. 2; c. 1257, s. 1; 1973, c. 476, s. 128; 1975, c. 751, s. 1; 1981, c. 130, s. 1; c. 340, ss. 1‑4; 1983, c. 891, s. 2; 1989, c. 727, s. 141; 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 1004, s. 19(b); 1991, c. 631, s. 1; 1997‑443, s. 11A.55; 1997‑502, s. 2(a), (b); 2002‑179, s. 4; 2004‑80, s. 1; 2005‑369, s. 1(a).)

§ 130A‑3.� Appointment of the State Health Director.

The Secretary shall appoint the State Health Director. The State Health Director shall be a physician licensed to practice medicine in this State. The State Health Director shall perform duties and exercise authority assigned by the Secretary. (1983, c. 891, s. 2.)

§ 130A‑4.� Administration.

(a)�� Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, the Secretary shall administer and enforce the provisions of this Chapter and the rules of the Commission. A local health director shall administer the programs of the local health department and enforce the rules of the local board of health.

(b)�� When requested by the Secretary, a local health department shall enforce the rules of the Commission under the supervision of the Department. The local health department shall utilize local staff authorized by the Department to enforce the specific rules.

(c)�� The Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources shall administer and enforce the provisions of Articles 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 of this Chapter and the rules of the Commission.

(d)�� When requested by the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, a local health department shall enforce the rules of the Commission under the supervision of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The local health department shall utilize local staff authorized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to enforce the specific rules. (1983, c. 891, s. 2; 1995, c. 123, s. 2; 1997‑443, s. 11A.56; 2001‑474, s. 18.)

§ 130A‑4.1.� State funds for maternal and child health care/nonsupplanting.

(a)�� The Department shall ensure that local health departments do not reduce county appropriations for maternal and child health services provided by the local health departments because they have received State appropriations for this purpose.

(b)�� All income earned by local health departments for maternal and child health programs supported in whole or in part from State or federal funds, received from the Department, shall be budgeted and expended by local health departments to further the objectives of the program that generated the income. (1991, c. 689, s. 170; 1997‑443, s. 11A.57.)

§ 130A‑4.2.� State funds for health promotion/nonsupplanting.

The Department shall ensure that local health departments do not reduce county appropriations for health promotion services provided by the local health departments because they have received State appropriations for this purpose. (1991, c. 689, s. 171; 1997‑443, s. 11A.58.)

§ 130A‑5.� Duties of the Secretary.

The Secretary shall have the authority:

(1)�� To enforce the State health laws and the rules of the Commission;

(2)�� To investigate the causes of epidemics and of infectious, communicable and other diseases affecting the public health in order to control and prevent these diseases; to provide, under the rules of the Commission, for the prevention, detection, reporting and control of communicable, infectious or any other diseases or health hazards considered harmful to the public health; to obtain, notwithstanding the provisions of G.S. 8‑53, a copy or a summary of pertinent portions of privileged patient medical records deemed necessary for investigating a disease or health hazard that may present a clear danger to the public health. Records shall be identified as necessary by joint agreement of a Department physician and the patient's attending physician. However, if the Department is unable to contact the attending physician after reasonable attempts to do so, or if the Department determines that contacting all attending physicians of patients involved in an investigation would be impractical or would unreasonably delay the inquiry and thereby endanger the public health, the records shall be identified as necessary by joint agreement of a Department physician and the health care facility's chief of staff. For a facility with no chief of staff, the facility's chief administrator may consent to the Department's review of the records. Any person, authorized to have or handle such records, providing copies or summaries of privileged patient medical records pursuant to this subdivision shall be immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise be incurred or imposed based upon invasion of privacy or breach of physician‑patient confidentiality arising out of the furnishing of or agreement to furnish such records;

(3)�� To develop and carry out reasonable health programs that may be necessary for the protection and promotion of the public health and the control of diseases. The Commission is authorized to adopt rules to carry out these programs;

(4)�� To make sanitary and health investigations and inspections;

(5)�� To investigate occupational health hazards and occupational diseases and to make recommendations for the elimination of the hazards and diseases. The Secretary shall work with the Industrial Commission and shall file sufficient reports with the Industrial Commission to enable it to carry out all of the provisions of the Workers' Compensation Act with respect to occupational disease.

(6)�� To receive donations of money, securities, equipment, supplies, realty or any other property of any kind or description which shall be used by the Department for the purpose of carrying out its public health programs;

(7)�� To acquire by purchase, devise or otherwise in the name of the Department equipment, supplies and other property, real or personal, necessary to carry out the public health programs;

(8)�� To use the official seal of the Department. Copies of documents in the possession of the Department may be authenticated with the seal of the Department, attested by the signature or a facsimile of the signature of the Secretary, and when authenticated shall have the same evidentiary value as the originals;

(9)�� To disseminate information to the general public on all matters pertaining to public health; to purchase, print, publish, and distribute free, or at cost, documents, reports, bulletins and health informational materials. Money collected from the distribution of these materials shall remain in the Department to be used to replace the materials;

(10)�� To be the health advisor of the State and to advise State officials in regard to the location, sanitary construction and health management of all State institutions; to direct the attention of the State to health matters which affect the industries, property, health and lives of the people of the State; to inspect at least annually State institutions and facilities; to make a report as to the health conditions of these institutions or facilities with suggestions and recommendations to the appropriate State agencies. It shall be the duty of the persons in immediate charge of these institutions or facilities to furnish all assistance necessary for a thorough inspection;

(11)�� To establish a schedule of fees based on income to be paid by a recipient for services provided by Migrant Health Clinics and Development Evaluation Centers;

(12)�� To establish fees for the sale of specimen containers, vaccines and other biologicals. The fees shall not exceed the actual cost of such items, plus transportation costs;

(13)�� To establish a fee to cover costs of responding to requests by employers for industrial hygiene consultation services and occupational consultation services. The fee shall not exceed two hundred dollars ($200.00) per on site inspection; and

(14)�� To establish a fee for companion animal certificate of examination forms to be distributed, upon request, by the Department to licensed veterinarians. The fee shall not exceed the cost of the form and shipping costs.

(15)�� To establish a fee not to exceed the cost of analyzing clinical Pap smear specimens sent to the State Laboratory by local health departments and State‑owned facilities and for reporting the results of the analysis. This fee shall be in addition to the charge for the Pap smear test kit. (1957, c. 1357, s. 1; 1961, c. 51, s. 4; c. 833, s. 14; 1969, c. 982; 1973, c. 476, ss. 128, 138; 1979, c. 714, s. 2; 1981, c. 562, s. 4; 1983, c. 891, s. 2; 1985, c. 470, s. 1; 1991, c. 227, s. 1; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 715, s. 1; 2003‑284, s. 34.13(a).)

§ 130A‑5.1.� State health standards.

(a)�� The Secretary shall adopt measurable standards and goals for community health against which the State's actions to improve the health status of its citizens will be measured.� The Secretary shall report annually to the General Assembly upon its convening or reconvening and to the Governor on all of the following:

(1)�� How the State compares to national health measurements and established State goals for each standard.� Comparisons shall be reported using disaggregated data for health standards.

(2)�� Steps taken by State and non‑State entities to meet established goals.

(3)�� Additional steps proposed or planned to be taken to achieve established goals.

(b)�� The Secretary may coordinate and contract with other entities to assist in the establishment of standards and preparation of the report.� The Secretary may use resources available to implement this section. (2000‑67, s. 11.)

§ 130A‑6.� Delegation of authority.

Whenever authority is granted by this Chapter upon a public official, the authority may be delegated to another person authorized by the public official. (1983, c. 891, s. 2.)

§ 130A‑7.� Grants‑in‑aid.

The State is authorized to accept, allocate and expend any grants‑in‑aid for public health purposes which may be made available to the State by the federal government. This Chapter is to be liberally construed in order that the State and its citizens may benefit fully from these grants‑in‑aid. The Commission is authorized to adopt rules, not inconsistent with the laws of this State, as required by the federal government for receipt of federal funds. Any federal funds received are to be deposited with the State Treasurer and are to be appropriated by the General Assembly for the public health purposes specified. (1957, c. 1357, s. 1; 1983, c. 891, s. 2.)

§ 130A‑8.� Counties to recover indirect costs on certain federal public health or mental health grants.

(a)�� The Department shall include in its request for federal funds applicable to public health or mental health grants from the federal government to the State or any of its agencies, indirect costs incurred by counties acting as subgrantees under the grants or otherwise providing services to the Department with regard to the grants to the full extent permitted by OMB Circular A‑87 or its successor. The Department shall allow counties to claim and recover their indirect costs on these grants to the full extent permitted by the Circular.

(b)�� This section shall not apply to those federal public health or� mental health grants which are formula grants to the State or which are otherwise limited as to the maximum amounts receivable on a statewide basis. (1977, c. 876, ss. 1, 2; 1983, c. 891, s. 2.)

§ 130A‑9.� Standards.

The Commission is authorized to establish reasonable standards governing the nature and scope of public health services rendered by local health departments. (1957, c. 1357, s. 1; 1973, c. 110; 1975, c. 83; 1979, c. 504, s. 15; 1983, c. 891, s. 2.)

§ 130A‑10.� Advisory Committees.

The Secretary is authorized to establish and appoint as many special advisory committees as may be necessary to advise and confer with the Department concerning the public health. Members of any special advisory committee shall serve without compensation but may be allowed travel and subsistence expenses in accordance with G.S. 138‑6. (1957, c. 1357, s. 1; 1975, c. 281; 1983, c. 891, s. 2.)

§ 130A‑11.� Residencies in public health.

The Department shall establish a residency program designed to attract dentists into the field of public health and to train them in the specialty of public health practice.� The program shall include practical experience in public health principles and practices. (1975, c. 945, s. 1; 1983, c. 891, s. 2; 1991, c. 342, s. 6.)

§ 130A‑12.� Confidentiality of records.

All records containing privileged patient medical information or information protected under 45 C.F.R. Parts 160 and 164 that are in the possession of the Department or local health departments shall be confidential and shall not be public records pursuant to G.S. 132‑1. Information contained in the records may be disclosed only when disclosure is authorized or required by State or federal law. Notwithstanding G.S. 8‑53 or G.S. 130A‑143, the information contained in the records may be disclosed for purposes of treatment, payment, or health care operations. For purposes of this section, the terms "treatment," "payment," and "health care operations" have the meanings given those terms in 45 C.F.R. § 164.501. (1985, c. 470, s. 2; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 890, s. 9; 1995, c. 428, s. 1.1; 2004‑80, s. 4.)

§ 130A‑13.� Application for eligibility for Department medical payment program constitutes assignment to the State of right to third party benefits.

(a)�� Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, by applying for financial eligibility for any Department medical payment program administered under this Chapter, the recipient patient or responsible party for the recipient patient shall be deemed to have made an assignment to the State of the right to third party benefits, contractual or otherwise, to which he may be entitled to the extent of the amount of the Department's payment on behalf of the recipient patient. Any attorney retained by the recipient patient shall be compensated for his services in accordance with the following schedule and in the following order of priority from any amount of such third party benefits obtained on behalf of the recipient by settlement, with judgment against, or otherwise from a third party:

(1)�� First to the payment of any court costs taxed by the judgment;

(2)�� Second to the payment of the fee of the attorney representing the beneficiary making the settlement or obtaining the judgment, but this fee shall not exceed one‑third of the amount obtained or recovered to which the right of subrogation applies;

(3)�� Third to the payment of the amount of assistance received by the beneficiary as prorated with other claims against the amount obtained or received from the third party to which the right of subrogation applies, but the amount shall not exceed one‑third of the amount obtained or recovered to which the right of subrogation applies; and

(4)�� Fourth to the payment of any amount remaining to the beneficiary or his personal representative.

The United States and the State of North Carolina shall be entitled to shares in each net recovery under this section. Their shares shall be promptly paid under this section and their proportionate parts of such sum shall be determined in accordance with the matching formulas in use during the period for which assistance was paid to the recipient.

(b)�� The Department shall establish a third party resources collection unit that is adequate to ensure collection of third party resources.

(c)�� The Commission may adopt rules necessary to implement this section.

(d)�� Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, in all actions brought by the State pursuant to subsection (a) of this section to obtain reimbursement for payments for medical services, liability shall be determined on the basis of the same laws and standards, including bases for liability and applicable defenses, as would be applicable if the action were brought by the individual on whose behalf the medical services were rendered. (1989, c. 483, s. 1; 1995, c. 508, s. 1.)

§ 130A‑14.� Department may assist private nonprofit foundations.

(a)�� The Secretary may allow employees of the Department to assist any private nonprofit foundation that works directly with services or programs of the Department and whose sole purpose is to support the services and programs of the Department, and may provide other appropriate services to any such foundation. No employee of the Department may work with a foundation for more than 20 hours in any one month.� Chapter 150B of the General Statutes does not apply to any assistance or services provided to a private nonprofit foundation pursuant to this section.

(b)�� The board of directors of any private nonprofit foundation that receives assistance or services pursuant to this section shall secure and pay for the services of the Department of State Auditor or shall employ a certified public accountant to conduct an annual audit of the financial accounts of the foundation.� The board of directors of the foundation shall transmit a copy of the annual financial audit report to the Secretary. (1991, c. 761, s. 37.3; 1993, c. 553, s. 40.1)

§ 130A‑15.� Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 130A‑16.� Reserved for future codification purposes.

Part 2. Remedies.

§ 130A‑17.� Right of entry.

(a)�� The Secretary and a local health director shall have the right of entry upon the premises of any place where entry is necessary to enforce the provisions of this Chapter or the rules adopted by the Commission or a local board of health. If consent for entry is not obtained, an administrative search and inspection warrant shall be obtained pursuant to G.S. 15‑27.2. However, if an imminent hazard exists, no warrant is required for entry upon the premises.

§ 130A‑18.� Injunction.

(a)�� If a person shall violate any provision of this Chapter or the rules adopted by the Commission or rules adopted by a local board of health, the Secretary or a local health director may institute an action for injunctive relief, irrespective of all other remedies at law, in the superior court of the county where the violation occurred or where a defendant resides.

§ 130A‑19.� Abatement of public health nuisance.

(a)�� If the Secretary or a local health director determines that a public health nuisance exists, the Secretary or a local health director may issue an order of abatement directing the owner, lessee, operator or other person in control of the property to take any action necessary to abate the public health nuisance. If the person refuses to comply with the order, the Secretary or the local health director may institute an action in the superior court of the county where the public health nuisance exists to enforce the order. The action shall be calendared for trial within 60 days after service of the complaint upon the defendant. The court may order the owner to abate the nuisance or direct the Secretary or the local health director to abate the nuisance. If the Secretary or the local health director is ordered to abate the nuisance, the Department or the local health department shall have a lien on the property for the costs of the abatement of the nuisance in the nature of a mechanic's and materialmen's lien as provided in Chapter 44A of the General Statutes and the lien may be enforced as provided therein.

(b)�� The Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources and a local health director shall have the same rights enumerated in subsection (a) of this section to enforce the provisions of Articles 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 of this Chapter. (1893, c. 214, s. 22; Rev., ss. 3446, 4450; 1911, c. 62, ss. 12, 13; 1913, c. 181, s. 3; C.S., ss. 7071, 7072; 1957, c. 1357, s. 1; 1983, c. 891, s. 2; 1997‑443, s. 11A.62.)

§ 130A‑20.� Abatement of an imminent hazard.

(a)�� If the Secretary or a local health director determines that an imminent hazard exists, the Secretary or a local health director may order the owner, lessee, operator, or other person in control of the property to abate the imminent hazard or may, after notice to or reasonable attempt to notify the owner, lessee, operator, or other person in control of the property enter upon any property and take any action necessary to abate the imminent hazard. If the Secretary or a local health director abates the imminent hazard, the Department or the local health department shall have a lien on the property of the owner, lessee, operator, or other person in control of the property where the imminent hazard existed for the cost of the abatement of the imminent hazard. The lien may be enforced in accordance with procedures provided in Chapter 44A of the General Statutes. The lien may be defeated by a showing that an imminent hazard did not exist at the time the Secretary or the local health director took the action. The owner, lessee, operator, or any other person against whose property the lien has been filed may defeat the lien by showing that that person was not culpable in the creation of the imminent hazard.

§ 130A‑21.� Embargo.

(a)�� The Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources and a local health director has authority to exercise embargo authority concerning food or drink pursuant to G.S. 106‑125(a), (b) and (c) when delegated the authority by the Commissioner of Agriculture.

(b)�� If the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources or a local health director has probable cause to believe that any milk designated as Grade "A" milk is misbranded or does not satisfy the milk sanitation rules adopted pursuant to G.S. 130A‑275, the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources or a local health director may detain or embargo the milk by affixing a tag to it and warning all persons not to remove or dispose of the milk until permission for removal or disposal is given by the official by whom the milk was detained or embargoed or by the court. It shall be unlawful for any person to remove or dispose of the detained or embargoed milk without that permission.

The official by whom the milk was detained or embargoed shall petition a judge of the district or superior court in whose jurisdiction the milk is detained or embargoed for an order for condemnation of the article. If the court finds that the milk is misbranded or that it does not satisfy the milk sanitation rules adopted pursuant to G.S. 130A‑275, either the milk shall be destroyed under the supervision of the petitioner or the petitioner shall ensure that the milk will not be used for human consumption as Grade "A" milk. All court costs and fees, storage, expenses of carrying out the court's order and other expense shall be taxed against the claimant of the milk. If, the milk, by proper labelling or processing, can be properly branded and will satisfy the milk sanitation rules adopted pursuant to G.S. 130A‑275, the court, after the payment of all costs, fees, and expenses and after the claimant posts an adequate bond, may order that the milk be delivered to the claimant for proper labelling and processing under the supervision of the petitioner. The bond shall be returned to the claimant after the petitioner represents to the court either that the milk is no longer mislabelled or in violation of the milk sanitation rules adopted pursuant to G.S. 130A‑275, or that the milk will not be used for human consumption, and that in either case the expenses of supervision have been paid.

(c)�� If the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources or a local health director has probable cause to believe that any scallops, shellfish or crustacea is adulterated or misbranded, the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources or a local health director may detain or embargo the article by affixing a tag to it and warning all persons not to remove or dispose of the article until permission for removal or disposal is given by the official by whom it was detained or embargoed or by the court. It shall be unlawful for any person to remove or dispose of the detained or embargoed article without that permission.

The official by whom the scallops, shellfish or crustacea was detained or embargoed shall petition a judge of the district or superior court in whose jurisdiction the article is detained or embargoed for an order for condemnation of the article. If the court finds that the article is adulterated or misbranded, that article shall be destroyed under the supervision of the petitioner. All court costs and fees, storage and other expense shall be taxed against the claimant of the article. If, the article, by proper labelling can be properly branded, the court, after the payment of all costs, fees, expenses, and an adequate bond, may order that the article be delivered to the claimant for proper labelling under the supervision of the petitioner. The bond shall be returned to the claimant after the petitioner represents to the court that the article is no longer mislabelled and that the expenses of supervision have been paid.

(d)�� Nothing in this section is intended to limit the embargo authority of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services are authorized to enter agreements respecting the duties and responsibilities of each agency in the exercise of their embargo authority.

(e)�� For the purpose of this section, a food or drink is adulterated if the food or drink is deemed adulterated under G.S. 106‑129; and food or drink is misbranded if it is deemed misbranded under G.S. 106‑130. (1983, c. 891, s. 2; 1997‑261, s. 109; 1997‑443, s. 11A.63A.)

§ 130A‑22.� Administrative penalties.

(a)�� The Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources may impose an administrative penalty on a person who violates Article 9 of this Chapter, rules adopted by the Commission pursuant to Article 9, or any order issued under Article 9. Each day of a continuing violation shall constitute a separate violation. The penalty shall not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) per day in the case of a violation involving nonhazardous waste. The penalty shall not exceed twenty‑five thousand dollars ($25,000) per day in the case of a first violation involving hazardous waste as defined in G.S. 130A‑290 or involving the disposal of medical waste as defined in G.S. 130A‑290 in or upon water in a manner that results in medical waste entering waters or lands of the State; and shall not exceed fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) per day for a second or further violation involving the disposal of medical waste as defined in G.S. 130A‑290 in or upon water in a manner that results in medical waste entering waters or lands of the State. The penalty shall not exceed twenty‑five thousand dollars ($25,000) per day for a violation involving a voluntary remedial action implemented pursuant to G.S. 130A‑310.9(c) or a violation of the rules adopted pursuant to G.S. 130A‑310.12(b). If a person fails to pay a civil penalty within 60 days after the final agency decision or court order has been served on the violator, the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources shall request the Attorney General to institute a civil action in the superior court of any county in which the violator resides or has his or its principal place of business to recover the amount of the assessment. Such civil actions must be filed within three years of the date the final agency decision or court order was served on the violator.

(a1)�� Part 5 of Article 21A of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes shall apply to the determination of civil liability or penalty pursuant to subsection (a) of this section.

(b)�� The Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources may impose an administrative penalty on a person who violates G.S. 130A‑325. Each day of a continuing violation shall constitute a separate violation. The penalty shall not exceed twenty‑five thousand dollars ($25,000) for each day the violation continues.

(b1)�� The Secretary may impose an administrative penalty on a person who violates Article 19 of this Chapter or a rule adopted pursuant to that Article. Except as provided in subsection (b2) of this section, the penalty shall not exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) per day per violation. Until the Department has notified the person of the violation, a continuing violation shall be treated as one violation. Each day thereafter of a continuing violation shall be treated as a separate violation.

In determining the amount of a penalty under this subsection or subsection (b2) of this section, the Secretary shall consider all of the following factors:

(1)�� The degree and extent of harm to the natural resources of the State, to the public health, or to private property resulting from the violation.

(2)�� The duration and gravity of the violation.

(3)�� The effect on air quality.

(4)�� The cost of rectifying the damage.

(5)�� The amount of money the violator saved by noncompliance.

(6)�� The prior record of the violator in complying or failing to comply with Article 19 of this Chapter or a rule adopted pursuant to that Article.

(7)�� The cost to the State of the enforcement procedures.

(8)�� If applicable, the size of the renovation and demolition involved in the violation.

(b2)�� The penalty for violations of the asbestos NESHAP for demolition and renovation, as defined in G.S. 130A‑444, shall not exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per day per violation. Until the Department has provided the person with written notification of the violation of the asbestos NESHAP for demolition and renovation that describes the violation, recommends a general course of action, and establishes a time frame in which to correct the violations, a continuing violation shall be treated as one violation. Each day thereafter of a continuing violation shall be treated as a separate violation. A violation of the asbestos NESHAP for demolition and renovation is not considered to continue during the period a person who has received the notice of violation is following the general course of action and complying with the time frame set forth in the notice of violation.

(b3)�� The Secretary may impose an administrative penalty on a person who violates Article 19A of this Chapter or any rules adopted pursuant to Article 19A of this Chapter. Each day of a continuing violation is a separate violation. The penalty shall not exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each day the violation continues. The penalty authorized by this section does not apply to a person who is not required to be certified under this Article.

(c)�� The Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources may impose an administrative penalty on a person who willfully violates Article 11 of this Chapter, rules adopted by the Commission pursuant to Article 11 or any condition imposed upon a permit issued under Article 11. An administrative penalty may not be imposed upon a person who establishes that neither the site nor the system may be improved or a new system installed so as to comply with Article 11 of this Chapter. Each day of a continuing violation shall constitute a separate violation. The penalty shall not exceed fifty dollars ($50.00) per day in the case of a wastewater collection, treatment and disposal system with a design daily flow of no more than 480 gallons or in the case of any system serving a single one‑family dwelling. The penalty shall not exceed three hundred dollars ($300.00) per day in the case of a wastewater collection, treatment and disposal system with a design daily flow of more than 480 gallons which does not serve a single one‑family dwelling.

(c1)�� The Secretary may impose a monetary penalty on a vendor who violates rules adopted by the Commission pursuant to Article 13 of this Chapter when the Secretary determines that disqualification would result in hardship to participants in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. The penalty shall be calculated using the following formula: multiply five percent (5%) times the average dollar amount of the vendor's monthly redemptions of WIC food instruments for the 12‑month period immediately preceding disqualification, then multiply that product by the number of months of the disqualification period determined by the Secretary.

(d)�� In determining the amount of the penalty in subsections (a), (b) and (c), the Secretary and the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources shall consider the degree and extent of the harm caused by the violation and the cost of rectifying the damage.

(e)�� A person contesting a penalty shall, by filing a petition pursuant to G.S. 150B‑23(a) not later than 30 days after receipt by the petitioner of the document which constitutes agency action, be entitled to an administrative hearing and judicial review in accordance with Chapter 150B of the General Statutes, the Administrative Procedure Act.

(f)�� The Commission shall adopt rules concerning the imposition of administrative penalties under this section.

(g)�� The Secretary or the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources may bring a civil action in the superior court of the county where the violation occurred or where the defendant resides to recover the amount of an administrative penalty authorized under this section whenever a person:

(1)�� Who has not requested an administrative hearing in accordance with subsection (e) of this section fails to pay the penalty within 60 days after being notified of the penalty; or

(2)�� Who has requested an administrative hearing fails to pay the penalty within 60 days after service of a written copy of the final agency decision.

(h)�� A local health director may impose an administrative penalty on any person who willfully violates the wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal rules of the local board of health adopted pursuant to G.S. 130A‑335(c) or who willfully violates a condition imposed upon a permit issued under the approved local rules. An administrative penalty may not be imposed upon a person who establishes that neither the site nor the system may be improved or a new system installed so as to comply with Article 11 of this Chapter. The local health director shall establish and recover the amount of the administrative penalty in accordance with subsections (d) and (g). Each day of a continuing violation shall constitute a separate violation. The penalty shall not exceed fifty dollars ($50.00) per day in the case of a wastewater collection, treatment and disposal system with a design daily flow of no more than 480 gallons or in the case of any system serving a single one‑family dwelling. The penalty shall not exceed three hundred dollars ($300.00) per day in the case of a wastewater collection, treatment and disposal system with a design daily flow of more than 480 gallons which does not serve a single one‑family dwelling. A person contesting a penalty imposed under this subsection shall be entitled to an administrative hearing and judicial review in accordance with G.S. 130A‑24. A local board of health shall adopt rules concerning the imposition of administrative penalties under this subsection.

(i)�� The clear proceeds of penalties assessed pursuant to this section shall be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund in accordance with G.S. 115C‑457.2. (1983, c. 891, s. 2; 1987, c. 269, s. 2; c. 656; c. 704, s. 1; c. 827, s. 247; 1989, c. 742, s. 4; 1991, c. 691, s. 1; c. 725, s. 8; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 944, s. 11; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 686, s. 1; 1995, c. 504, s. 8; 1997‑443, s. 11A.64; 1997‑523, s. 2; 1998‑215, s. 54(a); 2001‑474, s. 21; 2002‑154, s. 1.)

§ 130A‑23.� Suspension and revocation of permits and program participation.

(a)�� The Secretary may suspend or revoke a permit issued under this Chapter upon a finding that a violation of the applicable provisions of this Chapter, the rules of the Commission or a condition imposed upon the permit has occurred. A permit may also be suspended or revoked upon a finding that its issuance was based upon incorrect or inadequate information that materially affected the decision to issue the permit.

(b)�� The Secretary may suspend or revoke a person's participation in a program administered under this Chapter upon a finding that a violation of the applicable provisions of this Chapter or the rules of the Commission has occurred. Program participation may also be suspended or revoked upon a finding that participation was based upon incorrect or inadequate information that materially affected the decision to grant program participation.

(c)�� A person shall be given notice that there has been a tentative decision to suspend or revoke the permit or program participation and that an administrative hearing will be held in accordance with Chapter 150B of the General Statutes, the Administrative Procedure Act, at which time the person may challenge the tentative decision.

(d)�� A permit shall be suspended or revoked immediately if a violation of the Chapter, the rules or a condition imposed upon the permit presents an imminent hazard. An operation permit issued pursuant to G.S. 130A‑281 shall be immediately suspended for failure of a public swimming pool to maintain minimum water quality or safety standards or design and construction standards pertaining to the abatement of suction hazards which result in an unsafe condition. A permit issued pursuant to G.S. 130A‑248 shall be revoked immediately for failure of an establishment to maintain a minimum grade of C. The Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources shall immediately give notice of the suspension or revocation and the right of the permit holder or program participant to appeal the suspension or revocation under G.S. 150B‑23.

(e)�� The Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources shall have all of the applicable rights enumerated in this section to enforce the provisions of Articles 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 of this Chapter. (1983, c. 891, s. 2; 1987, c. 827, s. 1; c. 438, s. 3; 1993, c. 211, s. 2; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 732, s. 2; 1995, c. 123, s. 15; 1997‑443, s. 11A.65.)

§ 130A‑24.� Appeals procedure.

(a)�� Appeals concerning the enforcement of rules adopted by the Commission, concerning the suspension and revocation of permits and program participation by the Secretary and concerning the imposition of administrative penalties by the Secretary shall be governed by Chapter 150B of the General Statutes, the Administrative Procedure Act.

(a1)�� Any person appealing an action taken by the Department pursuant to this Chapter or rules of the Commission shall file a petition for a contested case with the Office of Administrative Hearings as provided in G.S. 150B‑23(a). The petition shall be filed not later than 30 days after notice of the action which confers the right of appeal unless a federal statute or regulation provides for a different time limitation. The time limitation imposed under this subsection shall commence when notice of the agency decision is given to all persons aggrieved. Such notice shall be provided to all persons known to the agency by personal delivery or by the placing of notice in an official depository of the United States Postal Service addressed to the person at the latest address provided to the agency by the person.

(b)�� Appeals concerning the enforcement of rules adopted by the local board of health and concerning the imposition of administrative penalties by a local health director shall be conducted in accordance with this subsection and subsections (c) and (d) of this section. The aggrieved person shall give written notice of appeal to the local health director within 30 days of the challenged action. The notice shall contain the name and address of the aggrieved person, a description of the challenged action and a statement of the reasons why the challenged action is incorrect. Upon filing of the notice, the local health director shall, within five working days, transmit to the local board of health the notice of appeal and the papers and materials upon which the challenged action was taken.

(c)�� The local board of health shall hold a hearing within 15 days of the receipt of the notice of appeal. The board shall give the person not less than 10 days' notice of the date, time and place of the hearing. On appeal, the board shall have authority to affirm, modify or reverse the challenged action. The local board of health shall issue a written decision based on the evidence presented at the hearing. The decision shall contain a concise statement of the reasons for the decision.

(d)�� A person who wishes to contest a decision of the local board of health under subsection (b) of this section shall have a right of appeal to the district court having jurisdiction within 30 days after the date of the decision by the board. The scope of review in district court shall be the same as in G.S. 150B‑51.

(e)�� The appeals procedures enumerated in this section shall apply to appeals concerning the enforcement of rules, the imposition of administrative penalties, or any other action taken by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources pursuant to Articles 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 of this Chapter. (1983, c. 891, s. 2; 1987, c. 482; c. 827, s. 248; 1993, c. 211, s. 1; 1997‑443, s. 11A.66; 1998‑217, s. 33.)

§ 130A‑25.� Misdemeanor.

(a)�� A person who violates a provision of this Chapter or the rules adopted by the Commission or a local board of health shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

(b)�� A person convicted under this section for violation of G.S. 130A‑144(f) or G.S. 130A‑145 shall not be sentenced under Article 81B of Chapter 15A of the General Statutes but shall instead be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of no more than two years and shall serve any prison sentence in McCain Hospital, Division of Prisons, Department of Correction, McCain, North Carolina; the North Carolina Correctional Center for Women, Division of Prisons, Department of Correction, Raleigh, North Carolina; or any other confinement facility designated for this purpose by the Secretary of Correction after consultation with the State Health Director. The Secretary of Correction shall consult with the State Health Director concerning the medical management of these persons.

(c)�� Notwithstanding G.S. 148‑4.1, G.S. 148‑13, or any other contrary provision of law, a person imprisoned for violation of G.S. 130A‑144(f) or G.S. 130A‑145 shall not be released prior to the completion of the person's term of imprisonment unless and until a determination has been made by the District Court that release of the person would not create a danger to the public health. This determination shall be made only after the medical consultant of the confinement facility and the State Health Director, in consultation with the local health director of the person's county of residence, have made recommendations to the Court. (1983, c. 891, s. 2; 1987, c. 782, s. 19; 1991, c. 187, s. 1; 1993, c. 539, s. 946; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 767, s. 18.)

§ 130A‑26:� Repealed by Session Laws 1995, c.� 311, s. 1.

§ 130A‑26.1.� Criminal violation of Article 9.

(a)�� The definition of "person" set out in G.S. 130A‑290 shall apply to this section. In addition, for purposes of this section, the term "person" shall also include any responsible corporate or public officer or employee.

(b)�� No proceeding shall be brought or continued under this section for or on account of a violation by any person who has previously been convicted of a federal violation based upon the same set of facts.

(c)�� In proving the defendant's possession of actual knowledge, circumstantial evidence may be used, including evidence that the defendant took affirmative steps to shield himself from relevant information. Consistent with the principles of common law, the subjective mental state of defendants may be inferred from their conduct.

(d)�� For the purposes of the felony provisions of this section, a person's state of mind shall not be found "knowingly and willfully" or "knowingly" if the conduct that is the subject of the prosecution is the result of any of the following occurrences or circumstances:

(1)�� A natural disaster or other act of God which could not have been prevented or avoided by the exercise of due care or foresight.

(2)�� An act of third parties other than agents, employees, contractors, or subcontractors of the defendant.

(3)�� An act done in reliance on the written advice or emergency on‑site direction of an employee of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. In emergencies, oral advice may be relied upon if written confirmation is delivered to the employee as soon as practicable after receiving and relying on the advice.

(4)�� An act causing no significant harm to the environment or risk to the public health, safety, or welfare and done in compliance with other conflicting environmental requirements or other constraints imposed in writing by environmental agencies or officials after written notice is delivered to all relevant agencies that the conflict exists and will cause a violation of the identified standard.

(5)�� Violations of permit limitations causing no significant harm to the environment or risk to the public health, safety, or welfare for which no enforcement action or civil penalty could have been imposed under any written civil enforcement guidelines in use by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources at the time, including but not limited to, guidelines for the pretreatment permit civil penalties. This subdivision shall not be construed to require the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to develop or use written civil enforcement guidelines.

(e)�� All general defenses, affirmative defenses, and bars to prosecution that may apply with respect to other criminal offenses under State criminal offenses may apply to prosecutions brought under this section or other criminal statutes that refer to this section and shall be determined by the courts of this State according to the principles of common law as they may be applied in the light of reason and experience. Concepts of justification and excuse applicable under this section may be developed in the light of reason and experience.

(f)�� Any person who knowingly and willfully does any of the following shall be guilty of a Class I felony, which may include a fine not to exceed one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) per day of violation, provided that this fine shall not exceed a cumulative total of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) for each period of 30 days during which a violation continues:

(1)�� Transports or causes to be transported any hazardous waste identified or listed under G.S. 130A‑294(c) to a facility which does not have a permit or interim status under G.S. 130A‑294(c) or 42 U.S.C. § 6921, et seq.

(2)�� Transports or causes to be transported such hazardous waste with the intent of delivery to a facility without a permit.

(3)�� Treats, stores, or disposes of such hazardous waste without a permit or interim status under G.S. 130A‑294(c) or 42 U.S.C. § 6921, et seq., or in knowing violation of any material condition or requirement or such permit or applicable interim status rules.

(g)�� Any person who knowingly and willfully does any of the following shall be guilty of a Class I felony, which may include a fine not to exceed one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) per day of violation, provided that the fine shall not exceed a cumulative total of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) for each period of 30 days during which a violation continues:

(1)�� Transports or causes to be transported hazardous waste without a manifest as required under G.S. 130A‑294(c).

(2)�� Transports hazardous waste without a United States Environmental Protection Agency identification number as required by rules promulgated under G.S. 130A‑294(c).

(3)�� Omits material information or makes any false material statement or representation in any application, label, manifest, record, report, permit, or other document filed, maintained, or used for purposes of compliance with rules promulgated under G.S. 130A‑294(c).

(4)�� Generates, stores, treats, transports, disposes of, exports, or otherwise handles any hazardous waste or any used oil burned for energy recovery and who knowingly destroys, alters, conceals, or fails to file any record, application, manifest, report, or other document required to be maintained or filed for purposes of compliance with rules promulgated under G.S. 130A‑294(c).

(5)�� Provides false information or fails to provide information relevant to a decision by the Department as to whether or not to enter into a brownfields agreement under Part 5 of Article 9 of this Chapter.

(6)�� Provides false information or fails to provide information required by a brownfields agreement under Part 5 of Article 9 of this Chapter.

(7)�� Provides false information relevant to a decision by the Department pursuant to:

a.�� G.S. 130A‑308(b).

b.�� G.S. 130A‑310.7(c).

c.�� G.S. 143‑215.3(f).

d.�� G.S. 143‑215.84(e).

(h)�� For the purposes of subsections (f) and (g) of this section, the phrase "knowingly and willfully" shall mean intentionally and consciously as the courts of this State, according to the principles of common law interpret the phrase in the light of reason and experience.

(i)�� (1)�� Any person who knowingly transports, treats, stores, disposes of, or exports any hazardous waste or used oil regulated under G.S. 130A‑294(c) in violation of subsection (f) or (g) of this section, who knows at the time that he thereby places another person in imminent danger of death or personal bodily injury shall be guilty of a Class C felony which may include a fine not to exceed two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) per day of violation, provided that this fine shall not exceed a cumulative total of one million dollars ($1,000,000) for each period of 30 days during which a violation continues.

(2)�� For the purposes of this subsection, a person's state of mind is knowing with respect to:

a.�� His conduct, if he is aware of the nature of his conduct;

b.�� An existing circumstance, if he is aware or believes that the circumstance exists; or

c.�� A result of his conduct, if he is aware or believes that his conduct is substantially certain to cause danger of death or serious bodily injury.

(3)�� Under this subsection, in determining whether a defendant who is a natural person knew that his conduct placed another person in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury:

a.�� The person is responsible only for actual awareness or actual belief that he possessed; and

b.�� Knowledge possessed by a person other than the defendant but not by the defendant himself may not be attributed to the defendant.

(4)�� It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution under this subsection that the conduct charged was conduct consented to by the person endangered and that the danger and conduct charged were reasonably foreseeable hazards of an occupation, a business, or a profession; or of medical treatment or medical or scientific experimentation conducted by professionally approved methods and such other person had been made aware of the risks involved prior to giving consent. The defendant may establish an affirmative defense under this subdivision by a preponderance of the evidence.

(j)�� Any person convicted of an offense under subsection (f), (g), or (h) of this section following a previous conviction under this section shall be subject to a fine, or imprisonment, or both, not exceeding twice the amount of the fine, or twice the term of imprisonment provided in the subsection under which the second or subsequent conviction occurs. (1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 1045, s. 9; 1993, c. 539, ss. 1303‑1305; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 1997‑357, s. 3; 1997‑443, s. 11A.67.)

§ 130A‑26.2.� Penalty for false reporting under Article 9.

Any person who knowingly makes any false statement, representation, or certification in any application, record, report, plan, or other document filed or required to be maintained under Article 9 of this Chapter or rules adopted under Article 9 of this Chapter; or who knowingly makes a false statement of a material fact in a rule‑making proceeding or contested case under Article 9 of this Chapter; or who falsifies, tampers with, or knowingly renders inaccurate any recording or monitoring device or method required to be operated or maintained under Article 9 of this Chapter or rules adopted under Article 9 of this Chapter is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. The maximum fine that may be imposed for an offense under this section is ten thousand dollars ($10,000). (1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 598, s. 3.)

§ 130A‑26A.� Violations of Article 4.

(a)�� A person who commits any of the following acts shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor:

(1)�� Willfully and knowingly makes any false statement in a certificate, record, or report required by Article 4 of this Chapter;

(2)�� Removes or permits the removal of a dead body of a human being without authorization provided in Article 4 of this Chapter;

(3)�� Refuses or fails to furnish correctly any information in the person's possession or furnishes false information affecting a certificate or record required by Article 4 of this Chapter;

(4)�� Fails, neglects, or refuses to perform any act or duty required by Article 4 of this Chapter or by the instructions of the State Registrar prepared under authority of the Article.

(5)�� Charges a fee for performing any act or duty required by Article 4 of this Chapter or by the State Registrar pursuant to Article 4 of this Chapter, other than fees specifically authorized by law.

(b)�� A person who commits any of the following acts shall be guilty of a Class I felony:

(1)�� Willfully and knowingly makes any false statement in an application for a certified copy of a vital record, or who willfully and knowingly supplies false information intending that the information be used in the obtaining of any copy of a vital record;

(2)�� Without lawful authority and with the intent to deceive makes, counterfeits, alters, amends, or mutilates a certificate, record, or report required by Article 4 of this Chapter or a certified copy of the certificate, record, or report;

(3)�� Willfully and knowingly obtains, possesses, sells, furnishes, uses, or attempts to use for any purpose of deception, a certificate, record, or report required by Article 4 of this Chapter or a certified copy of the certificate, record, or report, which is counterfeited, altered, amended, or mutilated, or which is false in whole or in part or which relates to the birth of another person, whether living or deceased;

(4)�� When employed by the Vital Records Section of the Department or designated under Article 4 of this Chapter, willfully and knowingly furnishes or processes a certificate of birth, death, marriage, or divorce, or certified copy of a certificate of birth, death, marriage, or divorce with the knowledge or intention that it be used for the purposes of deception;

(5)�� Without lawful authority possesses a certificate, record, or report required by Article 4 of this Chapter or a certified copy of the certificate, record, or report knowing that it was stolen or otherwise unlawfully obtained;

(6)�� Willfully alters, except as provided by G.S. 130A‑118, or falsifies a certificate or record required by Article 4 of this Chapter; or willfully alters, falsifies, or changes a photocopy, certified copy, extract copy, or any document containing information obtained from an original or copy of a certificate or record required by Article 4 of this Chapter; or willfully makes, creates, or uses any altered, falsified or changed record, reproduction, copy or document for the purpose of attempting to prove or establish for any purpose whatsoever any matter purported to be shown on it;

(7)�� Without lawful authority, manufactures or possesses the seal of:� (i) the Vital Records Section, (ii) a county register of deeds, or (iii) a county health department, or without lawful authority, manufactures or possesses a reproduction or a counterfeit copy of the seal;

(8)�� Without lawful authority prepares or issues any certificate which purports to be an official certified copy of a vital record;

(9)�� Without lawful authority, manufactures or possesses Vital Records Section, county register of deeds, or county health department vital records forms or safety paper used to certify births, deaths, marriages, and divorces, or reproductions or counterfeit copies of the forms or safety paper; or

(10)�� Willfully and knowingly furnishes a certificate of birth or certified copy of a record of birth with the intention that it be used by an unauthorized person or for an unauthorized purpose. (1995, c. 311, s. 2.)

§ 130A‑27.� Recovery of money.

The Secretary or the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources may institute an action in the county where the action arose or the county where the defendant resides to recover any money, other property or interest in property or the monetary value of goods or services provided or paid for by the Department or the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources which are wrongfully paid or transferred to a person under a program administered by the Department or the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources pursuant to this Chapter. (1983, c. 891, s. 2; 1997‑443, s. 11A.68.)

§ 130A‑28.� Forfeiture of gain.

In the case of a violation of this Chapter or the rules adopted by the Commission, money or other property or interest in property so acquired shall be forfeited to the State unless ownership by an innocent person may be established. An action may be instituted by the Attorney General or a district attorney pursuant to G.S. 1‑532. (1983, c. 891, s. 2.)

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