(a) The department may contract for state, county, or other public agencies to assume specified licensing, approval, or consultation responsibilities. In exercising the authority so delegated, these agencies shall conform to the requirements of this chapter and to the rules, regulations, and standards of the department. The department shall reimburse agencies for services performed pursuant to this section, and the payments shall not exceed actual cost.
If any grants-in-aid are made by the federal government for the support of any inspection or consultation service approved by the department, the amount of the federal grant shall first be applied to defer the cost of the service before state reimbursement is made.
(b) The department may contract with any county for the purposes of having the county assume the responsibility within the county for the licensing and regulation of residential care facilities for the elderly serving six or fewer persons. Prior to the department contracting with any county for the licensing and regulation of residential care facilities for the elderly serving six or fewer persons, the department shall develop uniform standards which specify and delineate the responsibilities of contracting counties and the department. The department shall reimburse the county for the services performed, not to exceed the actual cost, out of the funds allocated to the department for the licensing and regulation of those facilities. The county shall conform to the requirements of this chapter and to the rules, regulations, and standards of the department.
(Amended by Stats. 1989, Ch. 488, Sec. 1.)