Failure to Coordinate PASARR II Evaluation for Resident with Mental Health Diagnoses
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to coordinate with the State Designated Authority regarding the Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review (PASARR) process for a resident admitted with significant mental health diagnoses, including catatonic schizophrenia, anxiety, and alcohol abuse. Upon review, it was found that the resident was admitted from a psychiatric facility and exhibited severe cognitive impairment and daily wandering behaviors. Although the State Designated Authority had provided a letter approving nursing home placement and requested to be contacted upon admission for a PASARR II evaluation, the facility did not notify the authority or request the required evaluation at the time of admission. Interviews with facility staff revealed confusion and lack of clarity regarding responsibility for obtaining the PASARR II evaluation. The MDS nurse, Social Director, Business Office Manager, and Admissions staff each believed another department was responsible for securing the evaluation, and no related policies or procedures were in place. The forms required for the process were completed but not submitted, and the State Designated Authority was only contacted after the surveyor's inquiry, confirming that the resident was indeed a PASARR II case.