(1) A licensee wishing to request an exemption from a requirement in this chapter shall submit a written request to the department, including:

(a) A description of the requested exemption;

(b) Reason for the exemption; and

(c) Impact of the exemption on patient or public health and safety.

(2) If the department determines the exemption will not jeopardize patient or public health or safety, and is not contrary to the intent of chapter 71.12 RCW and this chapter, the department may:

(a) Exempt the licensee from meeting a specific requirement in this chapter; or

(b) Allow the licensee to use another method of meeting the requirement.

(3) The licensee shall retain a copy of each approved exemption in the hospital.