Preadmission screening

State and federal statutes require preadmission screening (PAS) for all admissions to Medical Assistance (MA)-certified skilled nursing facilities, boarding care facilities and hospital swing beds, regardless of payer source.

Preadmission screening
  • Establishes the need for nursing facility level of care
  • Connects people with services in the nursing facility and in their return home
  • Is required for nursing facility payment

How does it work?

This the PAS process specifically for Minnesota nursing facility admissions. Prior to nursing facility admission, a qualified health care professional at a hospital, clinic, hospice or nursing facility must submit an online referral to Minnesota Aging Pathways. Minnesota Aging Pathways will review that referral and if needed, refer it to a county, managed care organization or tribal nation. Minnesota Aging Pathways may also follow up to offer support with the person’s transition home.

A person also may require a face-to-face county assessment before the nursing facility admission, if level of care cannot be determined, the person is under 21 or if the person has a developmental disability or a serious mental illness (OBRA II). If the person’s payer source is MA, the nursing facility will not be paid until the PAS (or, if needed, in-person assessment) has been completed and entered into the state system. To avoid MA payment denials, the nursing facility should always review the PAS final results from Minnesota Aging Pathways or the lead agency before admission.

Tips

  • When to submit a preadmission screening (PDF)
  • Be as accurate as possible. Small errors can cause processing delays.
  • Submit the PAS as far in advance as possible to ensure people receive any needed assessments and services in a timely manner.
  • Review PAS results for any needed additional assessments. There are initial results that display on the summary page after the PAS is submitted. A final result will be given by Minnesota Aging Pathways or lead agency once the PAS is processed.
  • Share information about Minnesota Aging Pathways and PAS process, so they understand when you ask for their consent for Minnesota Aging Pathways follow-up.
  • Do not submit a new PAS for those who transfer between MA-certified Minnesota nursing facilities or hospitals, unless the person has returned to the community or was admitted to a psychiatric unit or hospital.

For more information