What condition must be met for the department to request a facility to exceed its licensed capacity?

The condition that the department must meet for a facility to exceed its licensed capacity is that there must be a defined set of circumstances. This means that the request to exceed capacity is not arbitrary; it is based on specific and established criteria that justify the need for such an increase. Typically, these circumstances may include emergency situations, a sudden surge in demand for services, or situations that necessitate immediate action to protect public health and safety.

This requirement ensures that the process is governed by clear rules and regulations, allowing regulatory bodies to maintain oversight and ensure that facilities do not exceed their capacities without proper justification. It serves to protect the interests of both the facility and the individuals it serves by ensuring that any increase in capacity is warranted and understood within the context of specific needs or emergencies.