1. (a) Population-based need.

   1. (1) This methodology projects the need for assisted living beds at thirty (30) beds per one thousand (1000) persons who are sixty-five (65) years of age and older.
   2. (2) Need will consider the number of proposed and existing ALF beds and the number of proposed and existing RCF beds in a county.
   3. (3) Need will be projected five (5) years forward using the most recent census data available from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Institute for Economic Advancement.

2. (b)

   1. (1) An exception to the population-based formula exists when occupied beds in all facilities in a county are seventy-five percent (75%) occupied by residents who are documented to be under the age of sixty-five (65) years of age.
   2. (2) In this instance, beds in those facilities will not be counted in the county bed need.

Codification Notes: "ALF" means assisted living facility.