CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF OLMSTEAD

This year, we celebrate the 25th milestone anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark Olmstead v. L.C. decision.

The Olmstead Decision emphasized the obligation of states to create opportunities for individuals with disabilities to live in the most integrated setting possible and is an essential part of PASRR’s origins. You can learn more about the Olmstead Decision and its long-lasting impact from the following resources:

• The United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division
• Olmstead Rights
• The Ohio Olmstead Task Force (OOTF)

Olmstead v. L.C. has left a legacy of independence and community participation of which PASRR is proud to support. 

Linking PASRR to other programs and initiatives. Each PASRR determination includes a resource guide to assist with transition to the community or diversion from a nursing facility. To assist with bridging the gap between individual and community, a copy of the resource guide can be found for review at: https://rb.gy/po0txh. 

MELISSA GRUBBS, RN

Melissa recently joined the PASRR Bureau as a Peer Review Nurse. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Cedarville College and her RN from Sinclair Community College. She has worked in many diverse settings, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and behavioral health facilities. She most recently worked as a health surveyor of long-term care facilities with the Ohio Department of Health for the past 13 years. She is looking forward to reviewing cases and offering referral options to those in need of services inside or outside of nursing facilities.

Melissa is married and has two sons. In her free time, you can find her tracking storms or traveling around the country in a RV.

When does a Level I screen (ODM-3622) need to be conducted? According to 42 CFR § 483.102, a PASRR Level I screen must be completed for all applicants seeking placement to a Medicaid-certified nursing facility, regardless of payer source. A Level I screen must be completed before a resident can be admitted into a nursing facility. If a current nursing facility resident experiences a significant change in his or her mental or physical condition, the individual is subject to a Resident Review evaluation, whereas another Level I screen will need to be submitted for this purpose.

What if the individual has both a serious mental illness (SMI) and a developmental disability? Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) and Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) must each render a determination prior to satisfying overall PASRR requirements.

What if an individual does not present with a serious mental illness? A Level I screen is still required, however, individuals who have no indications of serious mental illness are not subject for further review by Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. The receiving nursing facilities are responsible for ensuring all individuals seeking admission have met PASRR requirements.