[§150A-44]  Summary suspension. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the department may cause the immediatesuspension of an importer's certificate, subject to subsequent notice andhearing or other adequate procedures, upon the department's determination thatthere is an impending danger of escape or release of, or contamination from orexposure to microorganisms imported pursuant to certificate so as to present athreat to public health or safety, animal health, agriculture, horticulture, orthe environment, or in the event of a medical emergency or agricultural orecological disaster resulting from escape or release of, or contamination fromor exposure to microorganisms imported pursuant to certificate.

The department may order the summary suspensionof the certificate for a period not to exceed twenty days.  The order ofsuspension shall be served upon the certified importer at the same time as thenotice of hearing for further suspension or revocation and the hearing shall bescheduled prior to the expiration of the order of suspension.  The period ofsuspension prior to the hearing shall not be extended beyond twenty days exceptupon the request of the importer for a reasonable continuance to adequatelyprepare the importer's defense.  Any attempt by the importer to continue thecertified activity while the certificate has been summarily suspended shall ofitself be sufficient to warrant a permanent revocation of the certificate andshall subject the importer to all penalties prescribed by this chapter or anyrule or order of the department. [L 1999, c 177, pt of §1]