If the department has revoked the license of a health care facility, or if the operator of a health care facility has requested, the department may file a petition with the district court to place the health care facility under the control of a receiver if necessary to protect the health or safety of patients or residents at the health care facility. The court may grant the petition upon a finding that the health or safety of the patients or residents at the health care facility would be seriously threatened if a condition existing at the time the petition was filed is permitted to continue. This finding may be based upon evidence concerning the physical plant or the program and services offered by the health care facility, but not solely upon evidence that a health care facility has been denied a license to operate as a health care facility or has had a previously issued license revoked.
N.D.C.C. § 23-16.1-02