(a) The licensing agency shall adopt and enforce rules and standards with respect to the different types of hospitals to be licensed hereunder as may be designed to further the accomplishment of the purposes herein set forth; such rules and standards shall be modified, amended, or rescinded from time to time by the licensing agency as may be in the public interest.

(b) No such rules and standards shall be adopted or enforced which would have the effect of denying a license to a hospital solely by reason of the school or system of practice employed or permitted to be employed by physicians therein; provided that such school or system of practice is recognized by the laws of the State. Provided, however, that no rule or requirement shall be made under this chapter for any hospital conducted for those who rely upon treatment by spiritual means or prayer in accordance with the creed or tenets of any recognized church or religious denomination, except as to the sanitary and safe condition of the premises, cleanliness of operation, and its physical equipment. (Amended 2015, No. 23, § 106.)