The Department of Human Resources may exempt state agencies from the requirements of Section 7299.4, where it determines that any of the following conditions apply:
In order to receive an exemption, each state agency shall petition the Department of Human Resources for the exemption and receive approval in writing by the date established by the department. An agency may receive an exemption for up to five survey cycles, if it demonstrates that it meets the requirements of subdivision (a) or (b), and provides all required documentation to the Department of Human Resources.
Ca. Gov. Code § 7299.5