(a) The Department may issue a provisional license for the operation of an intermediate care facility not previously licensed as an intermediate care facility pursuant to Chapter 2, commencing with Section 1250, of the Health and Safety Code, or to any applicant for an intermediate care facility license upon a change of ownership of an existing facility, if that applicant has not previously held an intermediate care facility license pursuant to Chapter 2, commencing with Section 1250, of the Health and Safety Code.

(b) A provisional license issued pursuant to Section 73217 (a) shall terminate six months from the date of issuance. Within 30 days prior to the termination of a provisional license issued pursuant to Section 73217 (a), the Department shall give such facility a full and complete inspection, and if the facility meets all applicable requirements for licensure, a regular license shall be issued. If the facility does not meet the requirements for licensure but has made substantial progress toward meeting such requirements as determined by the Department, the initial provisional license shall be renewed for six months. If the Department determines that there has not been substantial progress toward meeting licensure requirements at the time of the first full inspection provided by this Section, or if the Department determines upon its inspection made within 30 days of the termination of a renewed provisional license that there is lack of full compliance with such requirements, no further license shall be issued.

(c) The Department may issue a provisional license upon a change of ownership of an intermediate care facility to an applicant who has previously held an intermediate care facility license pursuant to Chapter 2, commencing with Section 1250, of the Health and Safety Code if the initial relicensure inspection reveals the following:

(d) A provisional license issued under Section 73217 (c) shall terminate six months after the date of issuance, or at such earlier time as determined by the Department at the time of issuance. Within 30 days of the termination of the provisional license issued pursuant to Section 73217 (c), the Department shall give such facility a full and complete inspection, and if the facility meets all the requirements for licensure, a regular license shall be issued. A provisional license issued under Section 73217 (c) may not be renewed.

(e) If an applicant for a provisional license, pursuant to Section 73217 (a) and (b), or (c) and (d) has been denied provisional licensing by the Department, that applicant may contest such denial by filing a notice of appeal. The proceedings to review such denial shall be conducted pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500), Part 1, Division 3, Title 2, of the Government Code.