(a)
The state department shall investigate complaints concerning misconduct by certified home health aides and may take disciplinary action pursuant to Section 1736.5.
(b)
The department shall maintain a registry that includes the certification status of all certified home health aides, including the status of any proposed or completed disciplinary actions.
(c)
Home health agencies, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 1727, and hospice providers, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 1745, that hire certified home health aides after July 1, 1997, shall consult the state department’s registry prior to hiring these individuals or placing them in direct contact with patients.