Section 570. Expansion or relocation of services

A. Proposals to relocate beds to a location not contiguous to the existing site should be approved only when:

1. Off-site replacement is necessary to correct life safety or building code deficiencies;

2. The population currently served by the beds to be moved will have reasonable access to the beds at the new site, or to neighboring inpatient facilities;

3. The number of beds to be moved off-site is taken out of service at the existing facility;

4. The off-site replacement of beds results in:

a. A decrease in the licensed bed capacity;

b. A substantial cost savings, cost avoidance, or consolidation of underutilized facilities; or

c. Generally improved operating efficiency in the applicant's facility or facilities; and

5. The relocation results in improved distribution of existing resources to meet community needs.

B. Proposals to relocate beds within a health planning district where underutilized beds are within 30 minutes driving time one way under normal conditions of the site of the proposed relocation should be approved only when the applicant can demonstrate that the proposed relocation will not materially harm existing providers.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 25, Issue 09, eff. February 15, 2009.

Statutory Authority

§ 32.1-102.2 of the Code of Virginia.