(a) It is the purpose of this Part to establish minimum standards which will ensure that entities providing mental health services which seek an operating certificate from the Office of Mental Health will meet appropriate criteria for quality, safety and fiscal viability.

(b) It is the purpose of this Part to support the efforts of local governmental units in the process of planning and funding local systems of mental health service.

(c) It is the purpose of this Part to expedite the review of projects that are in conformance with the Statewide Plan and to allow for the development and operation of needed and appropriate programs.

(d) This Part establishes an efficient and timely process for the initial licensure of a program, as well as an effective process for notifying affected parties of changes to the local service system.

(e) This Part establishes a process to ensure that all entities applying for licensure are treated equally.

(f) The licensing process established in this Part will be linked to and coordinated with the pertinent licensing practices of other State agencies as appropriate, including but not limited to, the Department of Health, Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, and the State Education Department.