(a)
The department may issue provisional licenses to operate community care facilities for facilities that the director determines are in substantial compliance with this chapter and the rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter, provided that no life safety risks are involved, as determined by the director. In determining whether any life safety risks are involved, the director shall require completion of all applicable fire clearances and criminal record clearances as otherwise required by the department’s rules and regulations. The provisional license shall expire six months from the date of issuance, or at any earlier time as the director may determine, and may not be renewed. However, the
director may extend the term of a provisional license for an additional six months at time of application, if it is determined that more than six months will be required to achieve full compliance with licensing standards due to circumstances beyond the control of the applicant, provided all other requirements for a license have been met.
(b)
This section shall not apply to foster family homes.
(c)
Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the department may extend the term of a provisional license issued to a foster family agency, not to exceed two years, if it determines that this additional time is required to secure accreditation from an entity identified by the department pursuant to paragraph (8) of subdivision (b) of Section 11463 of the Welfare and Institutions Code and provided that
all other requirements for a license have been met.