(a) A physician who owns or operates a pain management clinic shall apply for a certificate for the clinic under this chapter. A pain management clinic must be owned and operated by a medical director who is a physician who practices in this state under an unrestricted license.
(b) An applicant for a certificate under this chapter must submit an application to the board on a form prescribed by the board.

(c) The board shall issue a certificate if the board finds that the pain management clinic meets the requirements of this chapter and the standards adopted by the board under this chapter.
(d) If an applicant for a certificate under this chapter is under investigation by the board for a violation of this subtitle, board rules, or other law relating to the prescription, dispensation, administration, supply, or sale of a controlled substance, the board may not make a decision on the application until the board has reached a final decision on the matter under investigation.