37-13-4. Periodic on-site inspections; proof of accreditation.

(a) The department shall be authorized to conduct periodic on-site inspections of any licensee in this state. (b) The department may accept proof of accreditation by a nationally recognized healthcare accreditation body, in accordance with specific standards, as evidence of compliance with one or more departmental requirements for issuance or renewal of a license or provisional license. (c) 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 (b) of this Code section.