Condition of participation: Number of beds and length of stay.

(a)

Standard: Number of beds. Except as permitted for CAHs having distinct part units under § 485.647, the CAH maintains no more than 25 inpatient beds. Inpatient beds may be used for either inpatient or swing-bed services.

(b)

Standard: Length of stay. The CAH provides acute inpatient care for a period that does not exceed, on an annual average basis, 96 hours per patient.