Failure to Timely Submit PASRR NFSS Form for Specialized Therapy Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to incorporate the recommendations from the Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) Level II determination and evaluation report for one resident who was reviewed for PASRR assessments. Specifically, the facility did not submit the Nursing Facility Specialized Services (NFSS) form request for therapy services by the required deadline. The resident in question was a female with multiple complex diagnoses, including cerebral palsy, speech and language deficits, muscle weakness, lack of coordination, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, vision impairments, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, paraplegia, gout, and cerebrovascular disease. She was identified as PASRR positive for developmental disability and required specialized therapy services as indicated by the service coordinator. Record review showed that the resident's care plan and PASRR Comprehensive Service Plan documented the need for ongoing specialized occupational, physical, and speech therapy services. The facility had an interdisciplinary team meeting where these services were agreed upon, and the NFSS form was required to be submitted within 20 days of the meeting. However, due to a transition in facility ownership and a change from a second party provider to internal management of PASRR documentation, the NFSS form was not submitted within the required timeframe. The delay was attributed to the previous provider's failure to submit the documentation during the transition period. Interviews with facility staff confirmed that the missed deadline was not initially recognized by current staff and was only brought to their attention after notification from a PASRR representative. Despite the missed deadline, the resident continued to receive therapy services without interruption, and there was no documentation of services being declined or interrupted as a result of the deficiency. The facility's PASRR policy requires compliance with all federal and state regulations, including timely submission of required forms.