106.1 OSSE, may waive compliance with one or more provisions in this chapter, if OSSE determines, upon clear and convincing evidence the following:
(a) The demonstrated immediate economic impact or hardship on the Facility or staff member is sufficiently great to make immediate compliance impractical despite diligent efforts;(b) The Facility or staff member is meeting or exceeding the intent of the regulation for which the waiver is requested; and(c) The health and welfare of staff and children are not jeopardized as alternative means have been put in place that ensure the health, safety, and welfare of children and staff.106.2 A Child Development Facility licensed ("Licensee"), required to be licensed, or applying for a license may apply for a waiver by submitting a written request to OSSE that shall include the following:
(a) Name, address of the Facility, and its assigned license number;(b) Citation of the rule for which a waiver is being sought;(d) Proof of immediate economic impact or hardship on the Facility or staff member;(e) Proof that the intent of the specific regulation shall be achieved in a manner other than that prescribed by the regulation and that the health, safety, and welfare of children in care will be preserved;(f) All other relevant information regarding the alleged hardship; and(g) Any other evidence OSSE may reasonably require.106.3 OSSE shall respond to the request for a waiver, in writing, within thirty (30) days of receipt of the request.
106.4 Any waiver granted shall be posted at the Facility in the vicinity of the posted license and available on request.
106.5 Any waiver is issued at the discretion of OSSE and may be revoked by OSSE at any time, either upon violation of any condition attached to it, or upon the determination of OSSE that continuance of the waiver is no longer in the best interest of children in its care.
106.6 Noncompliance with the terms of the waiver shall void the waiver, require the site to comply with the regulation that had been waived, and may be the basis of additional enforcement action.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 5, r. 5-A106
Final Rulemaking published at 63 DCR 14640 (12/2/2016)