(a) Upon filing an application for a private duty nursing agency license as provided for in, and upon the full compliance with, the provisions of this chapter and the rules and regulations promulgated under this chapter by the department, the department shall issue a private duty nursing agency license to the applicant.
(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), any health facility, as defined in Section 1250 that is licensed under Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 1250) is not required to obtain a license. In order for a health facility to establish, conduct, or maintain a private duty nursing agency, it shall comply with all the provisions of this chapter and be approved by the department. The approval shall be deemed to be licensure and shall not extend past midnight on the 31st day of December of each calendar year. The fee set forth in Section 1743.17 shall be paid before approval is granted. Approval may be denied or withdrawn by the department on the same grounds as provided for denial, suspension, or revocation of a private duty nursing agency license. The department may take the same action against any approved health facility private duty nursing agency as it may against any licensed private duty nursing agency under this chapter.
(c) As an alternative to subdivision (a), the department may issue a license to a private duty nursing agency that meets the requirements for a home health agency as provided in subdivision (a) of Section 1728.7, including accreditation, except the application and fees shall be submitted pursuant to this chapter. If the department issues a license pursuant to this subdivision, subdivisions (b), (c), and (d) of Section 1728.7 as they apply to home health agencies shall apply to private duty nursing agencies.
(d) A currently licensed home health agency may apply for conversion of that license to a private duty nursing license by filing a written request with the department. If the home health agency holds a valid license and is in good standing, the department shall issue a private duty nursing agency license to that applicant within 30 days of receiving the application.
(Added by Stats. 2001, Ch. 242, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2002.)