SECTION 310:635-1-5. Population-based need

  The applicant shall demonstrate that existing psychiatric and chemical dependency service beds are not and will not be adequate to meet the needs in the service area described in 310:635-1-4.

(1)   Need. The applicant shall demonstrate that there are persons who need services in the area but are unable to obtain those services due to the inadequacy of existing psychiatric and chemical dependency service beds.

(2)   Impact. The applicant shall demonstrate the probable impact of the proposed beds on the ration of psychiatric and chemical dependency beds to the population statewide. The statewide ratio must not exceed 145 beds per 100,000 persons, while moving towards an optimal target ratio of 117 beds per 100,000 persons.

(3)   Ratio. The applicant shall demonstrate the probable impact of the proposed beds on the ratio of psychiatric and chemical dependency beds to the population in the service area. No application shall cause an excessive increase in the bed to population ratio of a service area. The determination of whether or not an increase is excessive shall be based on the percentage of increase in a project will cause in an area's bed to population ratio, and on a comparison of the area's bed to population ratio against the statewide ratio.

(4)   Population projection. The most recent population figures published at the time the application is filed shall be used. The source of population projections for current and future years shall be based on year 2000 census data as published by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

(5)   Target population. If the applicant proposes a special service area under 310:635-1-4, then the applicant shall demonstrate that the target population will have access to the proposed services through public or private transportation.

[Source: Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2083, eff 6-27-02]