HI 00401.265 Distinct Part of an Institution as a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)

In order to qualify for participation in the program as an SNF, a distinct part of an institution must be physically separated from the rest of the institution, i.e., it must represent an entire physically identifiable unit consisting of all the beds within that unit, such as a separate building, floor, wing, or ward. Although it is required that the distinct part be identifiable as a separate unit within the institution, it need not necessarily be confined to a single location within the institution's physical plant. The distinct part may, for example, consist of several floors or wards which are scattered throughout several different buildings within the institutional complex. In each case, however, the patients of the distinct part would have to be located in units which are physically separate from those units housing all other patients of the institution. Various beds scattered throughout the institution do not comprise a distinct part for purposes of being certified as an SNF.