The department is authorized to issue licenses to operate hospitals, sanatoriums, convalescent homes, rest homes, nursing homes, ambulatory surgical facilities and other related institutions that, after inspection, are found to comply with this chapter and any rules adopted by the department. An initial license may be issued for up to 12 months. A license may be renewed for up to 24 months. The fee for this temporary or conditional license is $15 and is payable at the time of issuance of the license regardless of the term. When an institution, upon inspection by the department, is found not to meet all requirements of this chapter or department rules, the department is authorized to issue either: [PL 2007, c. 324, §4 (RPR).]

Failure of the institution to meet any of the department’s conditions immediately voids the temporary or conditional license by written notice by the department to the licensee or, if the licensee cannot be reached for personal service, by notice left at the licensed premises. A new application for a regular license may be considered by the department if, when and after the conditions set forth by the department at the time of the issuance of this temporary or conditional license have been met and satisfactory evidence of this fact has been furnished to the department. The department may amend, modify or refuse to renew a license in conformity with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, or file a complaint with the District Court requesting suspension or revocation of any license on any of the following grounds: violation of this chapter or the rules issued pursuant to this chapter; permitting, aiding or abetting the commission of any illegal act in that institution; or conduct of practices detrimental to the welfare of a patient. Whenever, on inspection by the department, conditions are found to exist that violate this chapter or department rules issued pursuant to this chapter that, in the opinion of the commissioner, immediately endanger the health or safety of patients in an institution or create an emergency, the department by its duly authorized agents may, under the emergency provisions of Title 4, section 184, subsection 6, request that the District Court suspend or revoke the license. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2?A. [PL 2007, c. 324, §4 (NEW).]