(a) As used in this section, the term “special care unit” means a wing or hallway within an adult care home, or a program provided by an adult care home, that is designated especially for residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, a mental health disability, or other special needs disease or condition as determined by the Medical Care Commission.

(b) An adult care home that holds itself out to the public as providing a special care unit shall be licensed as such and shall, in addition to other licensing requirements for adult care homes, meet the standards established under rules adopted by the Medical Care Commission.

(c) An adult care home that holds itself out to the public as providing a special care unit without being licensed as a special care unit is subject to licensure actions and penalties provided under Part 1 of this Article, as well as any other action permitted by law. (1999-334, s. 1.1; 2009-462, s. 4(f).)