(a) The department shall develop and implement a procedure by which a shelter that holds a license to operate a child-care facility that is issued under Subchapter C before September 1, 2012, may convert the license to a permit under this subchapter. The procedure must include an abbreviated application form for use by the shelter in applying for the permit.
(b) The department may waive the requirements under § 42.203(b) for an initial inspection or background and criminal history checks with respect to a licensed child-care facility seeking to convert a license to a permit under this section if the department determines that previously conducted inspections or background and criminal history checks, as applicable, are sufficient to ensure the safety of children receiving care at the facility.