Involuntary Psychiatric Examination and Psychiatric Hospitalization of Medicaid Enrolled Nursing Home Residents

Publication Date: 6/1/2007

Description:

The ability of nursing homes (NHs) to manage the mental health needs of their residents is crucial to providing high-quality care. A key element is preventing exacerbations of psychiatric conditions that trigger involuntary, or Baker Act (BA), examinations and/or psychiatric hospitalizations. Because these events are particularly costly and disruptive for vulnerable NH residents, it is important to identify, and when possible, control risk factors. The primary objective of this study was to examine the relationship between resident and facility characteristics, state reimbursement policies, and the rate of BA examinations and psychiatric hospitalizations for Medicaid beneficiaries residing in Florida's nursing homes. The ultimate goal is a high quality-of-life (QOL) and care for NH residents with mental health needs.