3. A person shall have a cause of action against the residential health care facility for any violation of this act. The Department of Health may maintain an action in the name of the State to enforce the provisions of this act and any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this act. The action to recover actual and punitive damages shall be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction. A plaintiff who prevails in an action shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs of the action.

L.1993,c.282,s.3.