A facility may exceed its licensed bed capacity only if the Department: Requests that the facility exceed its licensed bed capacity; or Approves a request from a facility to exceed its licensed bed capacity. Departmental Request of Facility to Exceed Capacity. If the Department requests a facility to exceed its licensed bed capacity, the written request is to include the: Circumstances that prompted the Department to make the request; Conditions under which the licensed bed capacity may be exceeded; and Number of residents by which the facility's licensed capacity may be exceeded. Request for Departmental Permission to Exceed Capacity. If an emergency situation exists, a facility may request permission from the Department to exceed its licensed bed capacity to help resolve the emergency situation. The written request shall include the: Circumstances or reasons for the request; Identity of any resident involved; Beginning and ending dates for which the request is made; and Documentation of any objection by a resident affected by the request, or by the resident's personal representative. The nursing home shall: Submit the written request to the Office of Licensing and Certification Programs; and Make the request for a term not to exceed 30 days. Before reaching its decision on the request, the Department shall consider the: Needs of the resident whose admission is proposed; Ability of the facility to care for the resident properly; Likely effect of the admission on the comfort and care of the other residents in the facility; and Evidence that exceeding licensed capacity would help resolve the emergency situation. Required Resident Accommodations. Before a facility may admit a resident that causes the facility to exceed its licensed bed capacity, the facility shall: Provide the following equipment for the exclusive use of the resident: Electronic nurses call system or hand bell, Privacy curtain or screen, Storage space for belongings, and A bed, at least 36 inches wide, sturdy and in good repair; Meet any square footage requirements under this chapter for a room; and Meet any other condition that the Department may require. Admission. When a facility is permitted to exceed its licensed bed capacity under this section, the facility may not admit a resident to the facility until each resident admitted under permission granted under this section has: Been placed in the facility as part of the facility's permanent resident population; or Found other placement that is acceptable to the resident.