(a) The department, in establishing regulations, including provisions for periodic inspections, under this chapter for foster family homes, certified family homes, and resource family homes of foster family agencies, shall consider these homes as private residences, and shall establish regulations for these foster family homes, certified family homes, and resource family homes of foster family agencies as an entirely separate regulation package from regulations for all other community care facilities. Certified family homes of foster family agencies and foster family homes shall not be subject to civil penalties pursuant to this chapter, except for penalties imposed pursuant to Sections 1522 and 1547. Resource family homes of foster family agencies shall not be subject to civil penalties pursuant to this chapter, as specified in Section 16519.54 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. The department, in adopting and amending regulations for these foster family homes and certified family homes of foster family agencies, shall consult with foster parent and foster family agency organizations in order to ensure compliance with the requirement of this section.
(b) This section shall not apply to small family homes or foster family agencies as defined in Section 1502.