709Suspension of admission of patients

709 Suspension of admission of patients

(1) If the Minister decides that the admission of patients or any class of patients to any youth mental health and wellbeing service provided by a declared operator should be suspended, the Minister may give a written direction to the declared operator to suspend admissions—

(a) immediately; or

(b) on or after a specified date.

(2) The declared operator may make an oral or written submission to the Minister in respect of the Minister's direction within 7 days after the Minister gives the direction.

(3) Before making a decision under subsection (4), the Minister must consider—

(a) any submission made under subsection (2); and

(b) any other submissions or matters the Minister considers appropriate.

(4) After considering any submissions or other matters under subsection (3), the Minister must either—

(a) withdraw the suspension; or

(b) confirm the suspension and specify the period for which the suspension should operate.

(5) The Minister must ensure that written notice of the Minister's decision under subsection (4) is given to the declared operator.