AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
2007 NH "Dear Administrator" Letters
October 26, 2007
ADSA: NH #2007-029
PRE-ADMISSION SCREENING & RESIDENT REVIEW (PASRR)
Dear Nursing Facility/Home Administrator:
In January 1989 a federal law went into effect that required screenings of persons with a diagnosis of mental illness or mental retardation before admission to a nursing home. That law is still in effect today and is called Pre-admission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR).
It was recently brought to our attention that the federal Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducted a review of PASRR processes in some states. During that review they found non-compliance regarding Level I and Level II PASRR evaluations.
In response to the OIG recommendations, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has indicated an intent to provide more federal oversight of the PASRR program and has issued a survey and clarification (S&C) letter 07-38. Please see the following link.
Here are some of the highlights of the S&C letter:
- Under federal regulations, facilities must not admit individuals with a primary diagnosis of mental illness or mental retardation who have not had a PASRR Level I and if applicable, Level II evaluation. (42 CFR 483.20)
- During the survey, surveyors will continue to review the records of selected sample residents with Mental Illness and Mental Retardation to ensure compliance with the PASRR requirements.
We have included with this letter a copy of the current PASRR contractors to serve as resources for you.
Sincerely,
Joyce Pashley Stockwell, Director
Residential Care Services
