Under PASRR, can an applicant with only mental illness be admitted to a nursing facility?
Yes. An applicant with mental illness may be admitted to a nursing facility if the State Mental Health Authority determines that the applicant requires the level of services provided by the facility. Regulations require that the SMHA, when making the determination of whether NF services are needed, assess whether the total needs of an applicant with mental illness can be met in a community setting or must be met on an inpatient basis. If inpatient care is appropriate, the SMHA must assess whether a nursing facility is an appropriate setting. NF placement may be considered appropriate if the applicant meets the minimum standards of admission and if the applicant’s treatment needs do not exceed the level of services that can be delivered by the NF–combined with any required specialized services provided or arranged for by the State.
