PASRR stands for Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review. Congress instituted PASRR in 1987 in an effort to ensure that individuals with intellectual disabilities (or related conditions) and/or serious mental illness receive services in the least restrictive appropriate setting. PASRR is also designed to make sure individuals who need nursing facility services are provided the services that will meet their unique needs.
Under PASRR, nursing facilities may not admit or retain an individual who has a serious mental illness, intellectual disability, or a related condition unless the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) or the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) has determined that a nursing facility placement is appropriate for the individual. PASRR applies to all new admissions to nursing facilities that participate in the Medicaid Program, regardless of the method by which an individual’s nursing facility stay will be paid.
During the admission process, the discharging hospital or admitting nursing facility screens potential new admissions using the Level I Screening Form. If the individual is suspected of having a serious mental illness, intellectual disability or a related condition (also known as a “positive screen”), the hospital or nursing facility contacts the local health department (LHD) in that jurisdiction* to evaluate the individual. The LHD evaluates the individual’s medical, social and functional status. Once the evaluation is complete, the LHD sends its findings to the DDA or the BHA, which determines whether nursing facility admission is appropriate and what, if any, specialized services the individual requires.
Once admitted, if the individual’s condition changes, the nursing facility contacts the LHD for a new evaluation and determination regarding continued stay in the nursing facility and/or the provision of specialized services.
Maryland Medical Assistance pays for many long-term care services in the community. Please visit the Department's Home and Community Based Programs site for more information or see the following flyer entitled Get Long Term Services and Supports in the Community! For additional information, contact a nursing facility staff specialist at 410-767-1736.