Failure to Timely Submit PASRR DME Request for Low Air Loss Mattress
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to submit and complete an accurate request and recommendations from a PASRR (Preadmission Screening and Resident Review) evaluation report for a low air loss mattress within 20 days after the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meeting for one resident. The resident, who had diagnoses including dementia, major depressive disorder, mild intellectual disabilities, and pervasive developmental disorder, was identified as PASRR Level 2 with serious mental and intellectual disability. The MDS assessment indicated severe cognitive impairment, and the resident required limited assistance with activities of daily living. The PASRR record showed the resident was assessed for durable medical equipment (DME) on a specific date, but the facility did not submit a complete and accurate request for the recommended low air loss mattress within the required timeframe after the IDT meeting. Interviews revealed that the MDS nurse, who was new to the position, encountered repeated issues submitting the DME request, including missing a required signature page, which led to the request being denied. Despite these issues, the facility eventually provided the resident with the recommended mattress, but not within the required timeframe. The Director of Nursing stated she was not involved in the PASRR process, and the responsibility was assigned to the MDS nurse. Observations confirmed the resident was eventually provided with the low air loss mattress, but the delay in submission and completion of the PASRR request constituted the deficiency.