§16-5C-9a. Exemptions.

(a)  The secretary may grant an exemption from a license inspection if a nursing home was found to be in substantial compliance with the provisions of this chapter at its most recent inspection and there have been no substantiated complaints thereafter. The secretary may not grant more than one exemption in any two-year period.

(b)  The secretary may grant an exemption to the extent allowable by federal law from a standard survey, only if the nursing home was found to be in substantial compliance with certification participation requirements at its previous standard inspection and there have been no substantiated complaints thereafter.

(c)  The secretary may grant an exemption from periodic license inspections if a nursing home receives accreditation by an accrediting body approved by the secretary and submits a complete copy of the accreditation report. The accrediting body shall identify quality of care measures that assure continued quality care of residents. The secretary may not grant more than one exemption in any two-year period.

(d)  If a complaint is substantiated, the secretary has the authority to immediately remove the exemption.