No person, private or public organization, political subdivision, or other governmental agency may operate a hospice as defined in Code Section 31-7-172 without first obtaining license from the department. A license issued under this article is not assignable or transferable and must be separate from any existing license and is subject to suspension or revocation at any time for failure to comply with the provisions of this article or with the appropriate regulations promulgated by the department.
(Code 1981, §31-7-173, enacted by Ga. L. 1983, p. 1317, § 2.)