A primary service area responder, as defined in § 19a-175, shall notify the Department of Public Health and the chief elected official or the chief executive officer of the municipality to which it is assigned not later than sixty days prior to the sale or transfer of more than fifty per cent of its ownership interest or assets. Any person who intends to obtain ownership or control of a primary service area responder in a sale or transfer for which notification is required under this section shall submit an application for approval of such purchase or change in control on a form prescribed by the Commissioner of Public Health. The commissioner shall, in determining whether to grant approval of the sale or transfer, consider: (1) The applicant’s performance history in the state or another state; and (2) the applicant’s financial ability to perform the responsibilities of the primary service area responder in accordance with the local emergency medical services plan, established in accordance with § 19a-181b. The commissioner shall approve or reject the application not later than forty-five calendar days after receipt of the application. The commissioner shall consult with any municipality or sponsor hospital in the primary service area, as such terms are defined in § 19a-175, in making a determination on the application and may hold a hearing on the application.