(a) Discrimination prohibited.--Except as otherwise provided by law, no provider shall discriminate in the operation of a health care facility on the basis of race, creed, sex or national origin.

(b) Prevention of duplication.--In carrying out the provisions of this chapter and other statutes of this Commonwealth relating to health care facilities, the department and other departments and agencies of the State and local governments shall make every reasonable effort to prevent duplication of inspections and examinations. The department may make the dates of licensure expiration coincide with medical assistance and Medicare certification or applicable accreditation by national accreditation organizations and shall combine these surveys and inspections where practical.

(c) Health care innovation.--The department shall administer this chapter so as to encourage innovation and experimentation in health care and health care facilities consistent with the provisions of this chapter and shall encourage contributions of private funds and services to health care facilities.

(d) Reports.--The department shall report annually to the General Assembly on the effectiveness of the licensing and enforcement of this chapter. Such report shall include appropriate data according to nature of facility relating to provisional licenses issued, nature of violations of regulations and number of facilities against which sanctions had to be taken.