If the director makes a written finding that the public interest will be irreparably harmed by a delay in issuing an order, the director may issue a

• A. Temporary restraining order
• B. Cease and desist order
• C. Preliminary injunction
• D. Writ of mandamus

Answer: (B)

When public interest could be irreparably harmed by waiting, an agency director can take immediate action to stop improper activity. A cease and desist order is the tool an agency uses to halt ongoing or imminent violations right away, without waiting for a full hearing. It protects the public by stopping questionable practices at once and can be followed by further proceedings to resolve the underlying issues.

Why the other options don’t fit: temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions are court-ordered protections, not issued by a regulatory director, and require judicial action. A writ of mandamus is a court order directing a government body to perform a duty, not an emergency directive issued by the agency itself.