(a) Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (b) or (d) of Section 1747, no person, political subdivision of the state, or other governmental agency shall establish, conduct, maintain, or represent itself as a hospice agency unless a license has been issued under this chapter. Multiple locations need not obtain a separate license. Multiple locations shall be listed on the license of the parent agency and each shall pay a licensing fee in the amount prescribed by subdivision (a) of Section 1750.
(b) Any person, political subdivision of the state, or other governmental agency desiring a license to establish a hospice agency shall file with the department a verified application on forms prescribed and furnished by the department that contain any information as may be required by the department for the proper administration and enforcement of this chapter.
(c) Any hospice agency that is not required to obtain a license under this chapter shall disclose in all advertisements and information provided to the public all of the following information:
(1) It is not required to be licensed and is not regulated by the department.
(2) Any complaint against the hospice agency should be directed to the local district attorney and the department.
(3) Any complaint against personnel licensed by a board or committee within the Department of Consumer Affairs and employed by the hospice agency should be directed to the respective board or committee. Any complaint against a certified home health aide or certified nurse assistant shall be directed to the department.
The address and telephone number of any state agency, board, or committee which is responsible for addressing complaints shall be provided by the hospice agency, upon request, to any patient of the hospice agency.
(d) A license shall not be transferable.
(e) The department shall not approve a change of ownership of a licensed hospice agency within five years of the date a license was initially issued to the licensee. Only the person, political subdivision of the state, or other governmental agency issued a license for the purposes of operating a hospice agency may use that license during the five-year period.
(f) Notwithstanding subdivision (e), the department may make an exception for extenuating circumstances and approve a change of ownership within the five-year period if the hospice agency demonstrates and provides evidence to the department of either of the following:
(1) The need to ensure continuity of care for existing patients of the hospice agency.
(2) Both a financial hardship and an unmet need of hospice services in the geographic area the hospice agency would serve.
(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 131, Sec. 107. (AB 1754) Effective January 1, 2024.)