a. The department has power to issue a provisional registration, provisional license, or provisional approval only when the department is satisfied that (1) the regulations can and will be met within a reasonable time, and (2) the deviations do not seriously threaten the health or safety of the children. A provisional registration, provisional license, or provisional approval, may be extended for such period as may be determined by the department.

b. Except as noted in item c of this section, no provisional license or provisional approval may be issued effective for any longer than one year.

c. Any facility granted a license or exempt from obtaining a license under the act previously in effect in this State and which does not qualify for a regular license under this subarticle shall be granted a provisional license in accord with item a of this section. Such a provisional license may be issued without regard to the time limit of item b of this section. No provisional license issued under item c shall remain effective, either by its initial issue or by renewal, for a period greater than three years.