Section 7.10.9525. Grant or denial of a general variance.

	(a)  The department's decision to grant or deny a request for a general variance will be issued in writing and will be delivered to the person who made the request.  
	(b)  Subject to (c) of this section, the department may grant a general variance, for a period that does not exceed one year, if the department determines that the entity  
		(1) is unable to comply with the requirement from which the variance is sought;  
		(2) has an effective plan for achieving compliance during the term of the variance; and  
		(3) is able to adequately provide for the health, safety, and welfare of recipients of services during the term of the variance.  
	(c)  The department may grant a general variance for a longer period than allowed under (b) of this section if the department determines  
		(1) that  
			(A) strict compliance with the requirement from which the variance is sought cannot be accomplished without a substantial economic, technological, programmatic, legal, or medical hardship; or  
			(B) the variance will maintain or improve the quality of services for recipients of services; and  
		(2) that the entity has an effective plan for meeting the goal of the requirement from which the variance is sought, and that the plan adequately protects the health, safety, and welfare of recipients of services and otherwise meets all applicable statutory or regulatory standards.  
	(d)  A decision to grant a request for a general variance will identify the statutory or regulatory requirement involved by section number and subject matter and state the duration, terms, and conditions of the variance, including the steps the entity must take to achieve compliance before the variance expires.  
	(e)  A decision to deny a request for a general variance will be in writing and will state the reasons for the denial. The entity may reapply for a variance, addressing the department's stated reasons for the denial or may request reconsideration under 7 AAC 10.9535.  
	(f)  If an entity violates a condition of a general variance granted under this section, the department will send written notice to the entity that the variance is revoked. The notice will advise that the entity may request reconsideration under 7 AAC 10.9535.