.15 Penalties.

A. An individual who violates any provision of Health Occupations Article, Title 14, Subtitle 5A, Annotated Code of Maryland, is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000, or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year, or both.

B. The Board may impose a civil fine of not more than $5,000 on an individual who:

(1) Is not licensed to practice respiratory care in Maryland and represents to the public in any way that the individual is authorized to practice respiratory care in Maryland; or

(2) Violates any provision of Health Occupations Article, Title 14, Subtitle 5A, Annotated Code of Maryland.

C. The Board shall deposit a penalty collected under §B of this regulation into the Board of Physicians fund.

D. Employment of Unauthorized Individuals.

(1) A licensed physician, hospital, related institution, alternative health system, or employer may not employ an individual practicing respiratory care without a license.

(2) A licensed physician may not supervise an individual practicing respiratory care without a license.

(3) The Board may impose a fine of up to $1,000 for a violation of §D(1) or (2) of this regulation.

(4) Any funds collected under §D(3) of this regulation shall be deposited into the General Fund.

E. Failure to Make a Required Report.

(1) The Board may impose a fine up to $1,000 for a hospital, related institution, alternative health system, or employer who fails to make a report to the Board required by Regulation .14 of this chapter.

(2) The Board shall deposit any funds collected under §E(1) of this regulation into the General Fund.