SB 516 - This act modifies the term "licensed and available" in the certificate of need statutes to mean beds which are actually in place and currently open and available to the public for immediate occupancy and for which a license has been issued. Additionally, a long-term care facility may increase its licensed bed capacity by, among other things, obtaining certification from the Department of Health and Senior Services that the seller's facility: (1) has beds that are licensed and available in an amount equal to or more than the number of beds sought to be purchased by the buyer; (2) has maintained less than a 60% average occupancy rate for the previous six quarters; and (3) shall not increase its licensed and available beds until such time as the average occupancy of facilities within a 15 mile radius exceeds 85%.SARAH HASKINS