The department of health and human services shall make or cause to be made such inspections as may be prescribed by regulation. The department of health and human services may prescribe by regulations that any licensee or prospective applicant desiring to make a substantial alteration or addition to its facilities or to construct new facilities shall, before commencing such alteration, addition, or new construction, submit plans and specifications therefor to the department of health and human services for preliminary inspection, recommendation, and approval.