License and renewal requirement.

(a) A person may not establish, conduct, or maintain any long-term care facility in this State without first obtaining a license from the Department and thereafter renewing this license on an annual basis. Failure to comply with this subsection shall result in the imposition by the Department of a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 per violation. (b) A nursing facility, assisted living facility, or rest residential facility must operate under the direction of an individual authorized or licensed to perform the functions of a nursing home administrator under Chapter 52 of Title 24.