(a) An application made to the Public Health Council pursuant to this Part may be amended while the matter is pending before the council. Such amendments shall be made on appropriate forms supplied by the department.

(b) Any amendment to an application which constitutes a substantial change in the information contained in the original application, or any prior amendments thereto, must be accompanied by a satisfactory written explanation as to the reason such information was not contained in the original application.

(c) Prior to the issuance of final council approval, any change as set forth in this subdivision shall constitute an amendment to the application and the applicant shall submit appropriate dovumentation as may be required in support of such amendment. The amended application shall be referred to the State Hospital Review and Planning Council for their comments. The approval of the Public Health Council must be obtained for any amended application. Any change in the principals of the applicant as considered by the council shall be considered an amendment.