§ 7-611

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

(1) The applicant;

(2) The private group home for which approval is sought;

(3) The facts stated in the application;

(4) The number of other group homes or alternative living units in the neighborhood;

(5) The public utilities and services available; and

(6) The access to transportation, shopping and recreational facilities, and health-related services.

(b) When an application for certificate of approval is filed, the Secretary shall hold a public hearing on the application.

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

(2) The notice shall state:

(i) The name of the applicant;

(ii) The type of approval that is sought;

(iii) The location of the proposed private group home; and

(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.

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

(1) In 2 newspapers published in the county where the private group home is to be located;

(2) If only 1 newspaper is published in that county, in that newspaper; or

(3) If a newspaper is not published in that county, any newspaper with substantial circulation in that county.