(a) The licensing agency may grant a variance from the provisions of this chapter or a rule adopted pursuant to this chapter.(b) Variances may be granted upon determination that:(1) strict compliance would impose a substantial hardship on the licensee;(2) the licensee will otherwise meet the goal of the statutory provision or rule; and(3) a variance will not result in less protection of the health, safety, and welfare of the residents.(c) A variance shall not be granted from a provision of this chapter or a rule pertaining to residents' rights.Added 1985, No. 151 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; amended 2013, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 88, eff. 5/20/2014.