Failure to Coordinate PASARR Assessments and Referrals for Mental Illness
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to coordinate assessments with the Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review (PASARR) program, resulting in missed referrals and duplicative efforts for residents with mental health diagnoses. Specifically, for one resident, the facility did not refer for a Level II PASARR screening or complete a Mental Illness Resident Review after a new diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder was added by the primary care provider. The initial PASARR Level I screening did not indicate mental illness, but subsequent documentation showed the onset of a serious mental illness, which was not followed by the required referral or updated assessment. Interview with the Regional MDS Coordinator confirmed that the process for monitoring new diagnoses and making appropriate referrals was not followed, as the order for the new mental health diagnosis was uploaded but not communicated effectively. The facility's policy required timely and accurate completion of PASARRs and coordination with state authorities for any changes in resident status, but this was not adhered to in this case, resulting in the resident not being properly assessed for needed mental health services.