(a) Notwithstanding any other law, the department may adopt, amend, or repeal regulations concerning the administration and operation of the Veterans’ Home of California. Except as otherwise provided, these regulations shall be adopted pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).

(b) The department may adopt, amend, and repeal emergency regulations concerning the administration and operation of the Veterans’ Home of California in compliance with Section 11346.1 of the Government Code. However, if special circumstances, as defined in subdivision (c), are present, then those regulations shall not be subject to the requirements regarding findings of emergency in paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 11346.1 of the Government Code. The emergency regulations adopted pursuant to this subdivision shall remain in effect for one year, or until the effective date of regulations adopted pursuant to subdivision (a), whichever is earlier.

(c) Special circumstances shall be deemed to exist if the Secretary of Veterans Affairs states in writing to the Office of Administrative Law and the Department of Finance that the adoption, amendment, or repeal is necessary for one or more of the following reasons:

(1) The possible loss or delay in the receipt of federal, state, or local funding.

(2) The need to maintain licensing or certification by a state or federal agency for any Veterans’ Home of California facility or program.

(3) The need to protect against a serious and immediate threat to the health or safety of residents or staff in one or more of the facilities of the Veterans’ Home of California.

(4) The urgent need to comply immediately with recommendations of the Department of Finance or the California State Auditor.

(Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 28, Sec. 37. (SB 96) Effective June 27, 2017.)