(1) The department or board shall conduct on-site inspections of the program premises and facilities before initial licensure and for maintenance of licensure.

(2) An initial on-site inspection of the program shall be conducted by the board or its designee for licensure.

(i) Department staff will contact the person responsible for the conduct of the program, as identified in the licensure application, to request permission to visit the facility at least seven business days prior to the intended visit for the purpose of initial licensure.

(3) The board or its designee shall conduct an on-site inspection of each licensed program at least once every three years.

(i) Department staff will contact the person responsible for the conduct of the program, as identified in the licensure application, to request permission to visit the facility at least seven business days prior to the intended visit for the purpose of maintenance of licensure.

(ii) A program may petition the board for exemption from the on-site inspection for the purpose of maintenance of licensure if the program is accredited by the National Independent Private Schools Association (NIPSA), Council on Accreditation (COA), Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), and Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).

(iii) If a program is granted exemption from the on-site inspection, the board may request such additional information from the program as it deems reasonably necessary.

(4) The board or its designee may enter and inspect, without prior notice, program premises and facilities in response to a complaint for purposes of determining compliance.