Louisiana Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR)

FAQs

To be added to the Louisiana Maximus Help Desk email distribution list, email a request to LAPASRR@maximus.com with the subject line: “Add my email to the Louisiana PASRR Contact List.” This communication should include your name, title, agency/facility, email address, and contact phone number.

Note: Once you become a registered Maximus system user, you will automatically be added to the distribution list.

To find answers to your program process questions, call the Louisiana Maximus Help Desk:

833.571.4466 or contact via email: LAPASRR@maximus.com.

Yes, the Louisiana PASRR Tools & Resources page has training materials accessible for review. Individual system usage questions can also be fielded to the Louisiana PASRR Help Desk team:

Note: Anyone wanting to access training materials must be registered AssessmentPro users. 

Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) is a federally mandated screening process dating back to 1987. PASRR was created as a part of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA), also known as the Nursing Home Reform Act. PASRR requirements were also added to the Social Security Act as sections 1919 (b) (3) (F) and 1919 (e) (7).

Nationwide, PASRR programs are overseen by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). States are responsible for implementing and operating PASRR programs in accordance with federal requirements found primarily at: 42 CFR (Chapter IV, Subchapter G) Part 483.100-138 Subpart C.

PASRR was established as part of the de-institutionalization process to ensure people with disabilities (i.e., Serious Mental Illness, Intellectual and/or Related Conditions) are not inappropriately institutionalized in a NF receive services in the least restrictive setting, and that Needed services/supports are identified for the NF to provide.

PASRR is an important tool for states to use in rebalancing services away from institutions and towards supporting people in their homes, and to comply with the Supreme Court decision, Olmstead vs L.C. (1999). Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals with disabilities cannot be required to be institutionalized to receive public benefits that could be furnished in community-based settings.

The goal of PASRR is to optimize an individual’s placement success, treatment success, and ultimately, an individual’s quality of life.

PASRR requires that all applicants to Medicaid-certified nursing facilities be given a preadmission, preliminary, screening to determine whether they might have a Serious Mental Illness (SMI) or an Intellectual Disability (ID) or a Related Condition (RC). This is called a Level I Screen.

Individuals whose Level I screen shows indicators of SMI/ID/RC will receive a clinical review to determine if an in-depth evaluation, called a Level II, is needed prior to nursing facility (NF) admission or if assessment can be delayed until after admission. The applicability of the Exempted Hospital Discharge and PASRR categoricals are also considered.

When a comprehensive Level II assessment is needed, it results in a determination as to whether the person has a qualifying PASRR condition, and if so, the appropriateness of the NF setting and any specialized (disability-specific) services needed.

In Louisiana, a Level I should be submitted in AssessmentPro when:

  • An individual is considering admission to a Medicaid Certified NF (i.e. for preadmission screening)

or when

  • A current NF resident has experienced a significant change (i.e., for a status change review)

Note: Per OAAS, the Level I should only be submitted after the LOCET has been complete. 

OAAS contact information is as follows:

  • OAAS PASRR Phone: 337.262.1664
  • OAAS PASRR Fax: 1.225.389.8197 or 1.225.389.8198

Most Level I outcomes are available immediately. About 30% will require a clinical review due to possible disability indicators. For those requiring a clinical review, the expected turnaround time is within 6 business hours of receipt of all supporting documentation and/or information.

Maximus encourages providers to begin discharge planning as soon as possible. If the provider thinks the person might need NF placement, they should submit the Level I. This prevents delays in discharge if the process determines the person also needs a Level II assessment.

Note: If the person needs a Level II assessment, regulations require completion within an annual average of 7-9 business days or less from Level I submission/referral.