Failure to Complete PASARR Screening After New Mental Health Diagnosis
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to coordinate assessments with the Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review (PASARR) program for a resident who was newly diagnosed with a serious mental disorder. Specifically, a resident was admitted with diagnoses including Bipolar II Disorder, end stage renal disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The resident's diagnosis of Bipolar II Disorder was documented after the initial PASARR screening, which did not reflect this mental health diagnosis. Despite the new diagnosis, there was no evidence that a subsequent PASARR Level I screening was completed as required by facility policy. Interviews with facility staff revealed uncertainty regarding the need for a new PASARR screening when a new mental health diagnosis is identified after admission. The social worker, who recently assumed responsibility for PASARR oversight, was unsure if a new screening was necessary in such cases. The DON stated that it was expected for PASARR screenings to be completed upon receipt of a new diagnosis and acknowledged that failure to do so could result in residents not receiving appropriate services. Review of the facility's policy confirmed that residents with newly evident or possible serious mental disorders should be promptly referred for a Level II review.