(a) The department may grant an exception to the moratorium imposed by this article upon making a written finding that an applicant for a new license, or with a license application pending on January 1, 2022, has shown a demonstrable need for hospice services in the area where the applicant proposes to operate based on the concentration of all existing hospice services in that area.
(b) The department shall issue a new license during the moratorium pursuant to an exception granted under this section in accordance with this chapter, including Article 2 (commencing with Section 1747).