Lackner

The issue presented on this appeal is the constitutionality of the citation and administrative hearing procedure (Health & Saf. Code, §§ 1423-1429) of the Long-Term Care, Health, Safety, and Security Act of 1973 (§§ 1417-1430) (hereinafter the Act). We hold that the procedure is constitutional.

The Act was passed with the express intent (1) to establish a citation system for the imposition of prompt and effective civil sanctions against long-term health care facilities in violation of the laws and regulations relating to patient care; (2) to establish an inspection and reporting system to insure that long-term health care facilities are in compliance with statutes and regulations pertaining to patient care; and (3) to establish a provisional licensing mechanism to insure that full-term licenses are issued only to those long-term health care facilities that meet state standards relating to patient care (§ 1417.1). In furtherance of this intent, section 1424 sets forth two classes of violations:

“(a) Class ‘A’ violations are violations which the state department determines present an imminent danger to the patients or guests of the long-term health care facility or a…