Mental Health and Elder Care

PASRR Process in Tennessee

• In Tennessee most PASRR evaluations are completed as part of the application process to a nursing home.
• If an individual applying for a nursing home is approved medically by the TennCare/Long Term Care Unit for nursing home placement a request for a Level II PASRR is made if indicated by the application process.
• The Department refers all appropriate requests to their contractor for evaluation. Evaluations consist of on-site visits and review of all clinical materials by licensed psychiatrists or in the case of developmental disabilities a licensed psychologist.
• Based on all the clinical information presented the doctor makes a determination. This determination is either that the applicant needs specialized services that the nursing home cannot provide and must receive them elsewhere. Or the applicant does not need specialized services and can receive the necessary treatment at the facility.
• Specialized services are defined as mental health services or rehabilitative services that cannot be obtained in the nursing home and are part of a continuous treatment plan. (Please see specialized services section)
• After the determination is made the Department reviews and approves the evaluation. The evaluation is than returned to TennCare who completes the process and informs the appropriate individuals.
• Appeals of determinations are made through the Department of TennCare Long TermCare Unit.
• Other PASRR evaluations completed on individuals occur on request of the nursing home or as a part of a yearly review process.