HFS Announces Statewide March 14 PASRR Process Redesign

February 16, 2022

Memorandum

On Feb. 9, the Illinois Dept. of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) announced a new vendor, Maximus, which will partner with the agency to transition the federally mandated Pre-admission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) process to a new web-based management system, AssessmentPro. All individuals who apply to reside in a Medicaid-certified nursing facility (NF), regardless of payer, are required to receive an initial PASRR screening (i.e., a PASRR Level I Screen). Summarized below is:

  • Background on PASRR processes and the associated federal requirements;
  • An overview of state changes being made to PASRR processes with links to relevant HFS Provider Notices; and
  • Registration information for four Maximus webinar trainings on PASRR process changes.

Background on PASRR Processes and Federal Requirements
States use PASRR processes as a tool  to comply with the Supreme Court decision Olmstead vs L.C. (1999) and federal regulations that govern the program (42 CFR 483.100-138), ensuring that individuals are not inappropriately placed in nursing homes for long term care. The PASRR process requires that all applicants to Medicaid-certified NFs are assessed to determine whether they might have serious mental illness or intellectual disability, which is called a “PASRR Level I Screen.” Patients who test positive at Level I are then evaluated in depth, called a “PASRR Level II Assessment." The evaluation results in a determination of appropriate setting and service recommendations to inform a patient’s plan of care, based on need. More information on the federal requirements can be found here.

Summary of State Changes to PASRR Processes
On Monday, March 14, HFS will shift responsibilities and management to Maximus for all PASRR Level I Screens that are submitted, the review of all PASRR Level I Screens, and the completion of PASRR Level II Assessments for Serious Mental Illness (SMI). The transition will move all PASRR processes to the new web-based management system, AssessmentPro, for admissions to NFs. This process will replace a fragmented, paper-based system that required hospital submission of PASRR Level I Screens via email or fax. The PASRR Level II Assessments for SMI will be completed by clinicians contracted with Maximus, replacing the Assessments currently completed by local community mental health providers. On Wednesday, April 13, a new service called Follow Up Visits is scheduled for implementation. On Monday, April 18, the transition to AssessmentPro for potential Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Facilities (SMHRF) and Supportive Living Programs (SLP) admissions is scheduled to launch. HFS has released two Provider Notices regarding the transition:

  • The first notice announced the March 14 implementation of all PASRR submissions for NF admissions; and
  • The second notice announced the April 18 implementation of changes to the screening and assessment process for SMHRFs and SLPs.

Completion of PASRR Level II Developmental Disability Assessments will remain unchanged. Choices for Care consultations will continue to be completed as a state requirement, but the workflow is being aligned with the redesigned PASRR process. HFS sought a new partner for the PASRR process to create a more consistent Level I Screen process, increase compliance with federal guidelines, and centralize PASRR, SMHRF, and SLP screenings and assessments in one system. Maximus has implemented web-based management systems for PASRR processes in eleven other states, including Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, and New York.

Registration Information for Maximus Webinar Trainings
If hospital staff are involved in PASRR processes, we encourage you to register directly for the applicable training opportunities listed below. After clicking the registration link for each training, choose the date and time below that works best with your schedule. Recordings of each training will be available to all registered attendees after it is completed. Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome browsers should be used to register, attend, and view recorded training courses.

Register here for the Introduction to Maximus training, which will provide the plan for the PASRR, SLP, and SMHRF program changes, as well as a preview of the other training opportunities and resources planned over the next several weeks.

  • Wednesday, Feb. 16, 10 – 11 a.m.
  • Thursday, Feb. 17, 1 – 2 p.m.

Register here for the PASRR Foundation training to learn more about the federally compliant PASRR program and the foundations of PASRR.

  • Tuesday, Feb. 22, 1 – 2 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Feb. 23, 10 – 11 a.m.
  • Thursday, Feb. 24, 1 – 2 p.m.

Register here for the AssessmentPro Basics training, which will discuss system registration, roles, system navigation, and resources to help you complete your various PASRR tasks.

  • Tuesday, March 1, 1 – 2 p.m.
  • Wednesday, March 2, 10 – 11 a.m.
  • Thursday, March 3, 1 – 2 p.m.

Register here for the PASRR Level I and Level II + AssessmentPro Review training, a deep dive into completion of the PASRR Level I screen, as well as a review of the Level II – SMI process and Summary of Findings report. A review of AssessmentPro processes will also be covered ahead of the implementation launch on Monday, March 14.

  • Tuesday, March 8, 1 – 2 p.m.
  • Wednesday, March 9, 10 – 11 a.m.
  • Thursday, March 10, 1 – 2 p.m.

For questions or comments on the upcoming program implementation, see the Illinois PASRR Tools and Resources webpage or contact the Maximus Illinois Help Desk at ILPASRR@maximus.com or (833) PASRR-IL (833-727-7745).

Contact us with any additional questions or comments.