141-C:17-b Custody; Rationing. –
If there is a statewide or regional shortage or threatened shortage of any anti-toxins, serums, vaccines, immunizing agents, antibiotics, and other pharmaceutical agents, or mechanical equipment, and such shortage poses a serious threat to the public health, the commissioner, with the written approval of the governor, may control, restrict, and ration the use, sale, dispensing, distribution, or transportation of such agents as necessary to best protect the health, safety, and welfare of the people of this state. In making rationing or other supply and distribution decisions, the commissioner may determine the preference and priority for distribution of such agents, such as giving preference to health care providers and emergency response personnel. The commissioner, with the written approval of the governor, shall have the discretion to take custody of all supplies of specific anti-toxins, serums, vaccines, immunizing agents, antibiotics, and other pharmaceutical agents, or mechanical equipment, existing within the state to ensure that such agents are distributed and utilized appropriately. Notice of an order issued pursuant to this section shall be given in writing to the owner of the personal property, or, if the owner cannot be readily determined, to the person in charge of the location where the personal property is located. The notice shall specify the reason for the action and its expected duration. Such order shall be effectively immediately and shall remain in effect in accordance with this section unless the superior court issues a decision directing otherwise. The owner of any property subject to an order issued pursuant to this section may request a hearing in the superior court to contest that order. The superior court shall schedule and hold a hearing and issue a decision within 5 working days of the court's receipt of the request for a hearing, unless a shorter period is required for review. At the hearing, the burden shall be on the commissioner to prove by clear and convincing evidence that the order is reasonably necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Multiple requests for hearings under this section may be consolidated into one hearing if the underlying facts are similar, the court deems such consolidation to be appropriate, and the court determines that such consolidation will adequately satisfy the due process rights of the persons who requested a hearing.