Can nursing facilities conduct any part of the Level I or II screens?
Nothing in Federal law or regulations precludes NF involvement in Level I screens to identify applicants or residents suspected of having a mental illness. However, nursing facilities may not conduct Level II evaluations or determinations, although they may ascertain whether existing data are sufficient to determine that an applicant fits a category established by the State for an advance group determination. Evaluations for mental illness must be conducted by an independent entity (other than the State Mental Health Authority) with no direct or indirect relationship with any nursing facility. Determinations are the responsibility of State Mental Health Authorities, but SMHAs may delegate or contract that responsibility to any entity without direct or indirect ties to any nursing facility.
