Notwithstanding the provisions of § 34-12-35.4, an existing nursing facility as defined in § 34-12-1.1 may increase its number of beds with prior authorization by the Department of Health in accordance with §§ 34-12-35.6 to 34-12-35.8, inclusive. Any existing nursing facility authorized to increase its number of beds in accordance with §§ 34-12-35.6 to 34-12-35.8, inclusive, shall maintain its current Medicaid occupancy rate for the facility’s existing beds, and shall maintain an annual minimum Medicaid occupancy rate no less than ten percent below the statewide average at the time rates are established for the newly authorized beds.

Source: SL 2012, ch 178, § 4.