What Is PreAdmission Screening (PAS)?
Pre-Admission Screening is a process based on State and Federal Laws to ensure that individuals are evaluated for appropriateness of nursing facility placement and that home and community options are explained. Please refer to the link listed below for a full explanation of Pre-Admission Screening and the forms necessary to begin the process for nursing facility placement.
What Is The Process for PAS?
The PAS process consists of
- PAS application
- Comprehensive assessment of needs
- Care Plan
- Decision concerning the most appropriate services for an individual
PAS PROCESS:
Upon deciding that you may be eligible for a nursing facility, you, your caregiver or a medical professional will contact ACCSCI.
The PAS process varies depending upon where you are at the time of application. However, the actual screening process for everyone is basically the same. The basic PAS forms are completed, a comprehensive assessment of needs is completed, options are reviewed and a final decision is made.
The final decision will state whether or not the applicant meets the medical level of care required for nursing facility placement. The final decision is valid for 90 days from issue. An approval for nursing facility placement does not mean that an applicant must enter a NF. Home and community options to nursing facility placement will be discussed as part of the assessment.
There are two ways in which an individual may enter at NF.
- A full assessment will be completed and a final determination will be made as noted above. Or
- Temporary approval may be given in some instances, either by the hospital if the applicant is in a hospital inpatient at the time of application or by ACSSCI, if the individual is in another setting.
FURTHER EXPLANATION:
Full/Complete Assessment – for admissions to Nursing Facility from home: PAS forms and instructions may be requested by phone from ACSSCI (812-372-6918 or 1-866-644-6407) or they may be downloaded from here:
Temporary approval: In some instances, an individual may be admitted to a nursing facility under temporary (Designee) approval. In these instances, an individual may be temporarily admitted via hospital designee approval if the applicant is a hospital inpatient, or by ACSSCI designee approval if the person is in the community.
The PAS forms will be initiated by the hospital staff for applicants who are in the nursing facility. PAS forms for individuals who are still at home or in the community may be accessed as indicated above (under Full/Complete Assessment).
Applicants admitted under temporary approval will receive a full assessment while they are in the nursing facility.
Do I Have to Participate in PAS?
By state law, all persons, regardless of income or resources, must participate in PAS in order to be admitted to a nursing facility in Indiana. You may choose to refuse to participate in PAS. However, if you refuse and are admitted to a nursing facility, you are will incur a penalty of non-payment by Medicaid of per diem costs for up to one (1) year. In addition, Medicaid regulations do not allow an individual who needs a PASRR Level II Assessment (mental health and/or mental retardation/developmental disability) to refuse PAS and be admitted to or remain in a Medicaid-certified nursing facility.
How Do I Apply for PAS?
Application can be made though your local Area Agency on Aging, the nursing facility to which you are seeking admission, or the hospital in which you are a patient.
How Long Does The PAS Decision Take?
The time limit for the PAS process varies according to the situation. It should be completed within the following time frames: (Time frames begin with the day that ACSSCI receives the completed PAS forms.)
| Situation |
Time Frame |
| At home |
As soon as possible, but no later than 25 days |
| Emergency/Adult Protective Services |
Within 25 days from the date of admission |
| Short-Term (30-day) |
If discharged within the 30-day limit, no assessment is completed. If longer stay is needed, complete assessment within an additional 25 days |
| Direct-from-Hospital |
Doctor's estimated recovery time (ERT) plus 25 days, not to exceed 120 days (Medicaid eligible recipients limited to 25 days) |
| Level II |
As soon as possible. Annual average of 7-9 days from the Level II referral date. |
| Out of State |
Within 10 days from the receipt of completed paperwork. |
When PAS assessment has been completed, you or your responsible party will receive the decision on a PAS Form 4B Determination Form or a Re-Screening Letter.
Must I Enter a Nursing Facility If PAS Finds That Placement Is Appropriate?
No. The PAS finding that placement is appropriate means that you have needs that nursing facility care is designed to meet and that community support services to meet those needs are not available.
You may always choose to use the services that have been identified and remain at home or in the community.
However, if you enter a nursing facility after a PAS finding that placement is not appropriate, you will be unable to apply for Medicaid payment for up to one year from the date of admission.
What IF I Do Not Agree With The PAS Finding?
You may appeal any decision if you do not agree. Directions on how to appeal are included in the paperwork issued as part of the final decision.
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