The department may select skilled nursing facilities within the state to operate a unit that provides geropsychiatric services. Admission to one of the skilled nursing facilities that provides geropsychiatric services may be granted only after an individual practicing within the scope of their practice determines the individual meets the criteria for skilled nursing, and needs psychiatric behavioral health services. Admissions from the state hospital will be given first priority for admission to the units. If at any time the department determines that the number of approved units that provide geropsychiatric services in the state is insufficient to meet the needs, the department may select additional units based on the experience, qualification, and capacity of the skilled nursing facilities that propose to provide geropsychiatric services.