AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

2008 NH "Dear Administrator" Letters

March 18, 2008

ADSA: NH #2008-004
PRE-ADMISSION SCREENING & RESIDENT REVIEW (PASRR)

Dear Nursing Facility/Home Administrator:

As you may recall, in October 2007, the department issued a letter (ADSA NH #2007-026) on Pre-admission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR). In that letter, I reminded you about the 1989 federal law that required screenings of persons with a diagnosis of mental illness or mental retardation before admission to a nursing home.

I would like to add a reminder about your responsibility once a resident with a mental illness diagnosis or mental retardation is admitted into the nursing facility. If this resident has a significant change in his or her physical or mental condition, the nursing facility must promptly notify the mental health PASRR contractor or division of developmental disabilities (WAC 388-97-253). Significant change could mean a major improvement or decline in condition such that the resident may no longer benefit from the level of nursing facility care or that they need specialized services.

Enclosed is the original October 26, 2007 letter and the attached list of current PASRR contractors again for your convenience.

Sincerely,

Joyce Pashley Stockwell, Director
Residential Care Services

Enclosure: ADSA: NH #2007-029