The department can only grant exceptions to licensure requirements established in rules imposed by the department. The department cannot grant exceptions to requirements established by state statute or federal regulations. Per 19 CSR 30-82.010 (4), "The department may grant exceptions for specified periods of time to any rule imposed by the department if the department has determined that the exception to the rule would not potentially jeopardize the health, safety, or welfare of any residents of a long-term care facility."

Examples of exception requests:

If you install a wireless nurse call system that is not in accordance with all the required elements listed in 19 CSR 30-85.012 (124), you will need to apply for an exception to that regulation. The regulation applies to both existing and new intermediate care and skilled nursing facilities.

If you remove a required nurses’ station (work area) that no longer complies with 19 CSR 30-85.012 (47), you will need to apply for an exception to that regulation. The exception could also affect regulation 19 CSR 30-85.012 (37), regarding location of resident room doors more than 140 ft. from the nurses’ station and the dirty utility room.

If you convert a required “central” bathroom into a storage room, office, etc., and the new space no longer complies with 19 CSR 30-85.012 (52), you will need to apply for an exception to that regulation. The exception could also affect regulations 19 CSR 30-85.012 (54) and 19 CSR 30-85.032 (21), regarding the aggregate number of tubs or showers, and regulation 19 CSR 30-85.012 (51), regarding training or handicap toilets per nursing unit.

The home’s operator or owner may request an exception to a long-term care regulation. If you wish to apply for or renew an exception request, the "Instructions for Exceptions Request" form is available online at http://health.mo.gov/seniors/nursinghomes/providerinfo.php.

If you are considering a renovation or remodeling project, contact SLCR first. You may contact us at 573-526-8524 or contact the SLCR Regulation Unit at 573-526-8523.