The facility must provide what ratio of licensed nursing hours per resident per day?

The correct answer is 0.5 hours of licensed nursing hours per resident per day, which reflects the minimum standard set for nursing facilities in Indiana. This requirement ensures that residents receive adequate nursing care and support throughout the day, highlighting the importance of sufficient staffing levels to meet the health care needs of residents.

The rationale for this specific ratio is to provide a baseline for quality care in nursing facilities, ensuring that licensed nurses are available to assess residents, administer medications, and address any immediate health concerns. This provision plays a critical role in enhancing the overall well-being and safety of residents, as it ensures that they have access to professional medical support.

In the context of Indiana's nursing regulations, maintaining this ratio is crucial for compliance with state health department guidelines and can affect a facility’s licensing status. Facilities falling below this threshold could risk penalties or loss of operating licenses, emphasizing the significance of adherence to such regulations for the overall healthcare system.

The other options do not align with the established standards and thus do not meet the necessary criteria for licensed care hours in a typical nursing facility.