; and (ii) requests the direct care professional to consent to work alternative, equivalent scheduled work hours within a 7-day period and the direct care professional consents to work such alternative, equivalent hours. (d) Right To decline schedule changes (1) In general In the case of a covered direct care professional, if a covered entity wishes to include work hours in the scheduled work hours of such covered direct care professional that are identified as hours in which the covered direct care professional can typically expect to be scheduled as off from work in accordance with the written agreement under section 312(d)(1)(F)(iv)(I) or are identified as hours outside of the good faith estimate under section 312(d)(1)(F)(iv)(II)(cc), the hiring entity shall obtain the written consent of the worker to work such hours prior to the commencement of such work. (2) Consent The consent required under paragraph (1) may be transmitted electronically to the covered entity. (e) Exceptions (1) In general Notwithstanding any provision in this section, the requirements under subsection (c) shall not apply— (A) during any period in which the operations of the covered entity cannot begin or continue due to— (i) a fire, flood, or other natural disaster; (ii) a major disaster or emergency declared by the President under section 401 or 501, respectively, of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5170 , 5191) or a state of emergency declared by a Governor of a State or chief official of a unit of local government; or (iii) a severe weather condition that poses a threat to worker safety; or (B) in a case in which— (i) the direct care professional voluntarily requested in writing a change to the scheduled work hours of the direct care professional; or (ii) the covered entity changes the scheduled work hours of a direct care professional due to— (I) a medical emergency requiring emergency medical treatment or hospitalization