Final answer:
Medicare waivers are granted by CMS, whereas Medicaid waivers are granted by State Agencies. These waivers allow for flexibility in meeting healthcare staffing requirements under specific circumstances.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) allows for certain waivers in staffing requirements for the Director of Nursing (DON) and charge nurses. To clarify who grants these waivers: Medicare waivers are granted by CMS, and Medicaid waivers are granted by State Agencies.
These waivers are important as they allow for flexibility in meeting federal and state healthcare staffing requirements under varied circumstances or in response to specific needs such as a natural disaster, an emergency, or other unique situations.