Federal regulations relating to the Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) program require that all individuals applying for admission to a nursing home be screened for the possibility of mental illness (MI) or intellectual disability (ID). This process has two "levels": Level I, a preliminary screen whose purpose is to identify individuals who *may* have MI/ID; and Level II, an in-depth evaluation whose purpose is to identify individuals who do have MI/ID and to recommend a set of disability-specific services.

Led by Dr. Erin Emery, the webinar discussed how assessing change in clinical settings is key for both patients and clinicians to determine the effectiveness of the intervention, as well as guiding treatment planning. The ideal methods and tools for assessment vary by setting and population. The webinar discussed measures, settings, and evidence-based programs to help assess client change in diverse settings.

Led by Pam Raby, the October PASRR webinar "Person-Centered PASRR" focused on important components of PASRR that may be lost in the shuffle of complex rules and competing demands. PASRR was, in fact, well ahead of its time in terms of offering a progressive initiative for promoting the most effective and best possible quality of care for our most vulnerable citizens. This presentation will revisit progressive PASRR requirements and map them to conventional practices for Person-Centered assessment and planning.

Developed in response to recent state inquiries, the September 10th webinar, "A Look at PASRR Related Appeals," provided useful information for improving PASRR appeals. Speakers Dr. Janet Spinelli and Mr. Sam Fante outlined background components of appeal hearings and the necessary steps in the appeal process. The webinar also introduced important considerations during the hearings process, examples of successful appeal procedures and useful tips for a more effective agency testimony.

The webinar covered a variety of topics in how PASRR applies to persons with mental illness, intellectual disabilities and related conditions. Speakers Carla Lasley and Betty Ferdinand addressed the current thinking on intellectual disabilities versus related conditions; PASRR's focus on functional limitation rather than intellectual deficits in determining appropriate placement and service delivery. The webinar also discussed the promising practices for determining appropriate placement and service delivery as a result of a Level II PASRR evaluation.

PASRR-related activities are reimbursable with a Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAP) of 75%. PASRR is considered a special type of administrative activity, and not a service. As such, a wide range of PASRR-related activities can receive enhanced FMAP.

The June webinar clarified long-standing issues related to "specialized services" in PASRR.

The May webinar introduced concepts related to person-centered planning processes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and discussed ways to implement and maintain effective person centered thinking and planning for supported individuals of all ages.

The webinar highlighted collaboration as a fundamental component of a successful PASRR program.