1.  The board may issue provisional permits limited as to time, place and purpose, based on the need therefor. No provisional permit may be issued for a period of longer than 6 months. The board may establish a reasonable fee for such provisional permits.

2.  Unless otherwise limited in the permit, a provisional permit issued pursuant to this section is valid for providing emergency services throughout the State, whether issued by the Division or a district board of health.

3.  In determining whether to issue a permit for the operation of an air ambulance pursuant to this section, the health authority:

(a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b), may consider the medical aspects of the operation of an air ambulance, including, without limitation, aspects related to patient care; and

(b) Shall not consider economic factors, including, without limitation, factors related to the prices, routes or nonmedical services of an air ambulance.