DHS Implements Changes to Preadmission Screening Process

Posted on February 3, 2022 by Jeff Bostic

On Jan. 6, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Minnesota Board on Aging updated the pre-admission screening criteria for people with mental illness and developmental disabilities before admission to a nursing home.

DHS also released details about the policy change and links to necessary forms. Providers may find that not all hospitals are aware of the change. We have encouraged DHS to engage in additional communication with hospitals to inform them of the shift in policy.

Key changes under the new policy include:

• Simplified mental health questions
• Updated forms to only require one “yes” mental health question to trigger an OBRA Level II evaluation (rather than all three) to meet federal requirements (Note: This could lead to an increase in OBRA Level II evaluations for mental illness)
• Removal of the fourth developmental disability question: “Has the person been referred for nursing or boarding care facility placement by an agency that serves people with a developmental disability or related condition?”

You can review the new website for the Senior LinkAge Line's pre-admission screening (PAS) and other referrals. It includes a new general assistance referral option to help older adults (e.g., information, transition assistance, other assistance). The Senior LinkAge Line created an informational card about the PAS that providers can share with the person. Call the Senior LinkAge Line at 800-333-2433 to request free copies for distribution.

DHS made the change to the screening process due to concerns about federal compliance and the appropriateness of some nursing home placements. In reviewing MDS data, DHS feels that they have been underscreening people with severe and persistent mental illness. These updates are intended to improve the DHS's screening practices to ensure people receive the screenings when needed.