Waivers. The Secretary may not waive the requirements of any regulation adopted under: This chapter; COMAR 10.21.17; or The chapter under this subtitle that outlines the requirements for a specific program. Variances. A program that is approved under Regulation .08 of this chapter may apply for a variance. When a program is approved under Regulation .08 of this chapter, the Secretary may grant a variance for a regulation if the Secretary: Receives a written request from a program on the form required by the Administration; and Finds that the intent of the regulation to which a variance is sought is met by the alternative proposed by the program. The Secretary may not grant a variance that would endanger the health or safety of the individuals served. The Secretary may grant a variance that: Remains in effect for as long as the program continues to comply with the conditions under which the variance is granted; or Is time limited. The Secretary shall: Issue a written decision, including the reason or reasons for granting or not granting the variance; Send the decision to the: Program director; CSA; and Department's designated approval unit; and Enter the decision in the records of the Department.