Which entity decides on the approval of bed capacity increase in a continuing care retirement community?

The approval of bed capacity increase in a continuing care retirement community is managed by the Division of Health Service Regulation. This entity is responsible for overseeing the health and safety standards of healthcare facilities, including nursing homes and continuing care retirement communities. They have the regulatory authority to assess and evaluate requests for increasing bed capacity based on several factors, such as compliance with state regulations, community needs, and the facility's ability to provide adequate care and services to residents.

In this context, while facility management plays an essential role in the operations and strategic planning of the community, they do not have the final say in regulatory approvals. The local health department's primary focus is on public health issues, which may not directly involve overseeing the bed capacity of retirement communities. The Board of Trustees may set policies and make decisions regarding community operations, but they must still align with regulatory guidelines laid out by the Division of Health Service Regulation. Therefore, the Division's oversight is crucial in ensuring that any expansion meets the necessary health and safety standards to protect residents and the broader community.