Following an investigation or testing of the content or composition of any drug, medicine, compound, or device used by any individual, person, firm, association, or other entity in the diagnosis, treatment, alleviation, or cure of cancer, and after hearing as provided in

Section 109270, the department, upon recommendation of the Cancer Advisory Council, may direct that any individual, person, firm, association, or other entity shall cease and desist any further prescribing, recommending, or use of any drug, medicine, compound, or device, or any substantially similar drug, medicine, compound, or device, in the diagnosis or treatment of cancer. In the investigation or testing required by this

article and

Article 1 (commencing with

Section 109250) to determine the value or lack thereof of any drug, medicine, compound or device in the diagnosis, treatment, or cure of cancer, the department shall, as it deems necessary or advisable, utilize the facilities and findings of its own laboratories or other appropriate laboratories, clinics, hospitals, and nonprofit cancer research institutes recognized by the National Cancer Institute, within this State or the facilities and findings of the Federal Government, including the National Cancer Institute.

Upon a recommendation by the Cancer Advisory Council, the department shall arrange, by contract, for investigation by and submission to it of findings, conclusions, or opinions of trained scientists in the appropriate departments of universities, medical schools, clinics, hospitals, and nonprofit cancer research institutes recognized by the National Cancer Institute, and the submission to it of findings, conclusions, or opinions of other qualified scientists.

Prior to the issuance of a cease and desist order under this section, the Cancer Advisory Council, by the affirmative vote of at least of its members, at least one of whom shall not be a physician and surgeon, shall make a written finding of fact based on the investigation that the drug, medicine, compound, or device so investigated has been found to be either definitely harmful or of no value in the diagnosis, treatment, alleviation, or cure of cancer and the department must be satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that the written findings of the fact are true.