Indiana’s new Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review system to launch July 1, 2016

The intent of the Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) process is to identify the most appropriate services and settings for persons being considered for nursing facility (NF) placement. PASRR is a requirement of all licensed Medicaid NFs in Indiana, including those serving Indiana Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) members. All residents of licensed Medicaid NFs are subject to the PASRR process regardless of known diagnoses or methods of payment (IHCP or non-IHCP). Screening occurs prior to admission or when there is a significant change in the physical or mental condition of a resident. 

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) has been engaged in a redesign of Indiana’s PASRR system since the summer of 2015. The FSSA’s Division of Aging (DA) has been working with hospital staff, NF staff, Area Agency on Aging (AAA) staff, and other stakeholders to design an improved pre-admission screening process that is efficient and effective. The new system design utilizes technology that will provide an evidence-based and person-centered approach that will result in more complete assessments, better identification of individuals who require comprehensive mental health evaluations (Level II assessments), and quicker processing timelines. The new PASRR system will be implemented July 1, 2016. 

Hospital discharge planners, NF staff, and AAA staff all have important roles in the existing system. Because roles and responsibilities will change in the new design, it is important that all staff members currently involved in pre-admission screening learn about the new process. Affected staff can visit the PASRR webpage at in.gov/fssa and subscribe to the PASRR newsletter to stay current on upcoming webinars, software upgrades, reporting requirements, and continuing trainings. 

Ascend Management Innovations (Ascend) is under contract with the State to implement the technology solution for Level I assessments and level-of-care assessments. The Ascend website offers detailed information about the new system, including slides from the initial webinars. Individuals with PASRR responsibilities can also register for informational webinars to be held in the coming weeks. These webinars provide a look at the changes that will occur with the PASRR process and procedures. Registration for training webinars during May and June covering detailed system training for all users will also be available on this website.

Please e-mail DAComments@fssa.in.gov with questions about the new PASRR system or about the information in this publication.