(a) The department shall adopt, amend, or repeal, in accordance with Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of the Government Code, any reasonable rules, regulations, and standards as may be necessary or proper to carry out the purpose and intent of this chapter and to enable the department to exercise the powers and perform the duties conferred upon it by this chapter, not inconsistent with any of the provisions of any statute of this state. Notwithstanding the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code), the department may implement and administer this chapter through written directives, without taking regulatory action, subject to the limitations provided in subdivision (b).

(b) The department’s authority to implement and administer this chapter through written directives shall expire no later than January 1, 2018, or upon the effective date of regulations promulgated in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code), whichever occurs sooner.

(c) The department may adopt emergency regulations to implement and administer the provisions of this chapter. The department may readopt any emergency regulations that are the same as, or substantially equivalent to, any emergency regulations previously adopted. The initial adoption and readoption of emergency regulations for the implementation and administration of this chapter pursuant to this subdivision shall be deemed to be an emergency and necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety, or general welfare. The initial and readopted emergency regulations shall be exempt from review by the Office of Administrative Law. The initial and readopted emergency regulations shall be submitted to the Office of Administrative Law for filing with the Secretary of State and each adoption or readoption shall remain in effect for no more than 180 days.

(Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 29, Sec. 63. (SB 855) Effective June 20, 2014. Provisions implemented as of January 1, 2016, pursuant to Section 1796.61.)