In hospital bed inventories, which category refers to beds that are physically present and ready to admit patients?

• A. Available beds
• B. Licensed beds
• C. Occupied beds
• D. Unstaffed beds

Answer: (A)

In bed inventories, the key idea is real-time usable capacity—the beds that are physically there and ready to take a patient now. Beds that are physically present and unoccupied, with the ability to admit someone without delay, are called available beds. This reflects both presence and immediate readiness to admit.

Licensed beds refer to the maximum capacity permitted by regulators and don’t guarantee immediate use. Occupied beds are currently in use, so they can’t admit someone new. Unstaffed beds exist but aren’t ready to admit until staffing is in place.