Cal. Health & Saf. Code § 1569.21
The director may issue provisional licenses to operate residential care facilities for the elderly for the facilities which the director determines are in substantial compliance with this chapter and the rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto; provided, that no life safety risks are involved, as determined by the director. In determining whether any life safety risks are involved, the director shall require completion of all applicable fire clearances and criminal record clearances as otherwise required by the department's rules and regulations. This provisional license shall expire six months from the date of issuance, or at such earlier time as the director may determine, and may not be renewed. However, the director may extend the term of a provisional license for an additional six months at time of application, if it is determined that more than six months will be required to achieve full compliance with licensing standards due to circumstances beyond the control of the applicant; provided, that all other requirements for a license have been met.
Ca. Health and Saf. Code § 1569.21