(a) The department may, upon submission of an application, with proof of accreditation by a voluntary accreditation agency approved by the department, issue a license based upon the findings of the accreditation agency. Such license may be issued without an on-site visit by the department representative. Any denial, suspension, or revocation of the voluntary accreditation agency shall result in an automatic revocation or suspension of the license issued pursuant to this Code section, and the licensee shall reapply for a new license as provided for in this article.

(b) The department shall not be bound by any policy or practice of the Department of Community Health in effect on December 31, 2025, in determining whether to issue a license based on the findings of an accreditation agency pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section.