(a) Except for affiliate clinics, as defined in Section 1218.1, if a clinic or an applicant for a license has not been previously licensed, the department may only issue a provisional license to the clinic as provided in this section.

(b) A provisional license to operate a clinic shall terminate six months from the date of issuance.

(c) Within 30 days prior to the termination of a provisional license, the department shall give the clinic a full and complete inspection, and, if the clinic meets all applicable requirements for licensure, a regular license shall be issued. If the clinic does not meet the requirements for licensure but has made substantial progress towards meeting such requirements, as determined by the department, the initial provisional license shall be renewed for six months.

(d) If the department determines that there has not been substantial progress towards meeting licensure requirements at the time of the first full inspection provided by this section, or, if the department determines upon its inspection made within 30 days of the termination of a renewed provisional license that there is a lack of full compliance with such requirements, no further license shall be issued.

(e) If an applicant for a provisional license to operate a clinic has been denied by the department, the applicant may contest the denial by filing a statement of issues, as provided in Section 11504 of the Government Code. The proceedings to review the denial shall be conducted pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

(Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 90, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2009.)