50-5-201. License requirements. (1) A facility or licensee considering construction of or alteration or addition to a health care facility shall submit plans and specifications to the department for preliminary inspection and approval prior to commencing construction.

(2) A person may not operate a health care facility unless the facility is licensed by the department. Licenses may be issued for a period of 1 to 3 years in duration. A license is valid only for the person and premises for which it was issued. A license may not be sold, assigned, or transferred.

(3) Upon discontinuance of the operation or upon transfer of ownership of a facility, the license must be returned to the department.

(4) Licenses must be displayed in a conspicuous place near the admitting office of the facility.