Mental Health and Elder Care

Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR)

The Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities coordinates the federally mandated Level II PASRR (Preadmission Screening and Residential Review) process for a component of the application process for admission to Tennessee's nursing homes.

The Department oversees these PASRR evaluations in accordance with the the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA). This legislation stipulates that all individuals entering a nursing home who have a mental illness, mental retardation or a related condition such as cerebral palsy need to be screened before entering a nursing home.

This screening is to determine whether the individuals’ mental health and/or disability related needs can be met in the nursing home. If they can be met, recommendations are made to ensure that their needs are met. If they cannot be met and need specialized services other than the nursing home, a determination is made with the appropriate recommendations.

The Department also ensures evaluations are performed as necessary for these individuals after a nursing home admission, and also ensures resident reviews on individuals living in nursing homes are conducted as appropriate.

To inquire about the Geriatric Initiative, contact Dennis Temple, CMSW, MA.