The closing of a bed on an inpatient unit is a very serious decision that is done only after all other options have failed. It is considered an emergency to close any bed for any reason and should be performed only with formal approval.

The person with the ultimate authority to authorize bed closure is the Hospital Administrator on call. This may be done only after the following has occurred:

1. The Director or ADON has reviewed the situation and conferred with the Clinical Services Manager for options.

and

2. The Chief Nursing Officer or the CNO designee has been contacted to review the options that have been discussed.

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