BUREAU OF PROGRAM SUPPORT AND INFORMATION

The Bureau of Program Support and Information provides planning, analytical, educational, and other support needs to division programs and its personnel. It is responsible for strategic planning; coordination of staff training and projects; drafting and revision of the division’s major plans and reports; and developing division policies and procedures.  The Bureau also provides support to the programs through its FileMaker software solution creation and support activities.

What are the major objectives the Section wants to achieve?

To review, improve, implement, and manage the administrative operation of DEH. Develop written operating procedures as well as directives of the Division activities. Prepare, evaluate, and update DEH Strategic Plan. Prepare DEH Annual Report and perform analyses on data collected by the programs in order to improve services.

Frequently Asked Questions: Administrative Penalty
1. What is an Administrative Penalty?

An Administrative Penalty is a monetary fine assessed against a health-regulated establishment that allows an employee to work without having in their possession a valid Health Certificate. The owner of the establishment receives a set of documents which include an Accusation, Order of Compliance, Notice of Defense, and an Administrative Penalty Order signed by the Director of the Department of Public Health & Social Services (DPHSS) pursuant to Title 10 GCA, Chapter 22, §22106.

2. What is the time limit for DPHSS to file an Administrative Penalty?

Within one year from the time the establishment was found allowing an individual to work without a valid health certificate.

3. What if I disagree with the Administrative Penalty Accusation?

A Notice of Defense is included in the Administrative Penalty packet, allowing you, the owner of the establishment, the opportunity to answer or explain your side.

4. What is the time limit to answer or submit my explanation to the Administrative Penalty?

You are given 10 calendar days from the day you receive the packet to answer the Administrative Penalty Accusation.

5. Where do I file my answer or explanation?

Responses should be sent to the Office of the Director of the Department of Public Health & Social Services (DPHSS) in Mangilao.

6. I filed an answer to the Administrative Penalty by the time limit. What happens next?

The Administrative Penalty coordinator will set up a hearing by contacting the Office of the Attorney General to designate a hearing officer and to schedule a hearing. You will be notified by the coordinator when and where the hearing will be held.

7. What is the purpose of the hearing?

To give an opportunity for the owner of the establishment (“The Accused”) to explain the reason/give their side of story.

8. What happens after the hearing?

The designated hearing officer will evaluate the facts and other circumstances and thereafter will make a recommendation to the Director of DPHSS, who will either approve or disapprove the recommendation.

9. What happens if I don’t answer or I file an answer after the ten calendar days have passed?

The Director of DPHSS will impose a fine. If this is your first offense, the fine will not be more than Three Hundred Dollars ($300). If this is the second offense involving the same person, and has occurred within one (1) year of the first offense, the fine will not be more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000).

If the Director cites more than one person at the same time for that person’s failure to have their health certificate in their possession, each citation is a separate administrative violation for the health-regulated activity.

You will have thirty (30) days from receipt of the Administrative Penalty to make the payment.

10. If I do not pay the penalty, what will happen next?

Your case will be referred to the Office of the Attorney General for appropriate action.

Inside the Bureau of Program Support and Information