A. Beginning January 1, 1994, no adult companion home shall be operated or maintained unless certified by the Department of Human Services. No new adult companion home may be established without the prior approval of the Department, which shall be granted only after the Department is satisfied that such adult companion home will meet known needs for the services proposed to be provided and that the adult companion home will meet minimum standards.

B. An application for a certificate shall be made on forms prescribed by the Department. Before issuing a certificate, the Department shall investigate the activities and standards of care of the applicant and, if satisfied that the applicant meets the requirements as provided in the Oklahoma Adult Companion Home Certification Act, a certificate shall be issued. A provisional certificate may be issued to any applicant whose services are needed but which is temporarily unable to conform to all the rules of the Department. All certificates shall be in force for one (1) year from date of issuance unless sooner revoked as authorized by the Oklahoma Adult Companion Home Certification Act, and shall be reissued annually upon application. A provisional certificate may be in force for not more than one (1) year, unless an emergency exists that, in the discretion of the Department, necessitates an extension thereof.