If a facility exceeds its bed capacity in an emergency, what must it follow?

In the context of exceeding bed capacity during an emergency, following the facility's disaster plan is crucial. Disaster plans are specifically designed to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and staff in situations where normal operations are disrupted. They outline steps to manage additional residents, resources, staff allocation, and emergency procedures.

A disaster plan typically includes protocols for maintaining quality care even when capacity limits are exceeded. This can involve triaging patients, reallocating staff, securing additional resources, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. By adhering to this plan, the facility can effectively manage the challenges that arise in emergencies while still prioritizing resident care and safety.

While state guidelines, local council regulations, and facility policies are important in their own right, they may not provide the immediate, actionable steps needed in a crisis as comprehensively as a well-structured disaster plan would. This focus on preparedness and structured response is what makes the disaster plan the appropriate choice in this scenario.