(a) A person may not establish or operate a residential facility until the facility has been licensed under AS 47.32.
(b) A certificate of need is required as a prerequisite for the licensing of a residential facility established after July 1, 1978, and not otherwise provided for in AS 18.07.031 - 18.07.111. A certificate shall be issued and regulated in the same manner as provided in AS 18.07.031 - 18.07.111 for certificates of need for health care facilities. This subsection does not apply to an assisted living home licensed under AS 47.32.