Any facility which is in operation on the effective date of the applicable rules and regulations or minimum standards established under this chapter shall be given a reasonable term and a provisional license, under the particular circumstances of the case, in the discretion of the Secretary of Health, within which to comply with such rules, regulations and standards, and to obtain a license. Provided, That the Secretary of Health, as he deems it justified, after considering the efforts of the facility to comply with the law and regulations, and without affecting the purpose of ensuring adequate services free from risks to the patients and/or to the residents, may extend the term granted to the facility and the provisional license to comply with the law and regulations for not more than two (2) years. Provided, further, That after the expiration of the term or terms granted, no facility of those herein included may operate in Puerto Rico without being duly authorized according to this chapter. History —June 26, 1965, No. 101, p. 250, § 28; May 26, 1967, No. 75, p. 273; June 13, 1968, No. 80, p. 137, § 2; July 20, 1979, No. 150, p. 368, § 2.