What is the term for the total number of persons a health care institution is authorized to serve for more than 24 hours?

The term for the total number of persons a health care institution is authorized to serve for more than 24 hours is referred to as "Licensed Capacity." This concept is crucial in the context of healthcare facilities because it determines the maximum number of residents or patients that the institution is legally equipped to care for at any given time. Understanding licensed capacity is essential for administrators, as it impacts staffing, resource allocation, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

In contrast, the other terms offered have different meanings. "Nursing Care Institution" describes the type of facility, while "Governing Authority" refers to the entity responsible for overseeing the operations of the institution. "Directed Care Services" pertains more to specific types of care provided rather than the quantity of individuals served. Thus, the correct answer accurately captures the defining aspect of a healthcare institution's operational limit concerning resident care.