1. (a) When an application for certificate of approval is filed, the Department shall have an investigation made of:

   1. (1) The applicant;
   2. (2) The private group home for which approval is sought;
   3. (3) The facts stated in the application;
   4. (4) The number of other group homes or alternative living units in the neighborhood;
   5. (5) The public utilities and services available; and
   6. (6) The access to transportation, shopping and recreational facilities, and health-related services.
2. (b) When an application for certificate of approval is filed, the Secretary shall hold a public hearing on the application.

3. (c)

   1. (1) The Secretary shall publish a notice of the hearing within 60 days of receipt of the completed application.

   2. (2) The notice shall state:

      1. (i) The name of the applicant;
      2. (ii) The type of approval that is sought;
      3. (iii) The location of the proposed private group home; and
      4. (iv) The time and place that the Secretary sets for the hearing, which shall be at least 7 but not more than 15 days after the last publication of the notice.

4. (d) The notice shall be published at least twice in 1 week:

   1. (1) In 2 newspapers published in the county where the private group home is to be located;
   2. (2) If only 1 newspaper is published in that county, in that newspaper; or
   3. (3) If a newspaper is not published in that county, any newspaper with substantial circulation in that county.

Added by Acts 1986, c. 636, § 2, eff. July 1, 1986; Acts 1986, c. 637, § 2, eff. July 1, 1986. Amended by Acts 1987, c. 288, § 1, eff. July 1, 1987.