(1) The department may approve the individual or entity for initial certification when the individual or entity complies with the requirements of this chapter. The department may:

(a) Grant initial certification for up to one hundred and eighty days of the effective date of the residential services contract; and

(b) Extend initial certification for an additional period up to one hundred and eighty days.

(2) If an applicant does not receive a residential services contract, initial certification will be valid for up to one year.