What is PASRR?
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PASRR stands for Preadmission Screening and Resident Review. It's a federal requirement that ensures people with mental illness or intellectual/developmental disabilities receive appropriate services when they live in nursing facilities.
In Washington State, PASRR includes specialized add-on services—including Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)—that help residents participate in their communities.
Who Qualifies for PASRR Transportation?
You may qualify for PASRR transportation services if:
- You live in a nursing facility in Washington State
- You have an intellectual or developmental disability
- You've been evaluated and approved for PASRR Specialized Add-on Services
- Your care plan includes community-based activities
Your case manager or social worker can confirm your eligibility.
What is NEMT (Non-Emergency Medical Transportation)?
NEMT provides transportation to:
- Medical appointments
- Community activities
- Day programs
- Therapy sessions
- Other authorized services
Unlike emergency medical transport (ambulance), NEMT is scheduled in advance and is non-emergency.
NEMT Brokers in Washington State
Washington uses regional brokers to coordinate NEMT. The main brokers include:
| Broker | Region |
|---|---|
| Hopelink | King County and surrounding areas |
| NWRC | Various regions |
| Access | Multiple counties |
| DART | Designated regions |
Your home care agency or case manager works with the appropriate broker based on your location.
How PASRR Transportation Requests Work
Step 1: Identify the Need
Your care team identifies that you need transportation for an activity or appointment covered by your PASRR services.
Step 2: Submit the Request
Your home care agency creates a formal transportation request. This includes:
- Your information and location
- Pickup and return times
- Destination details
- Any special needs (wheelchair, mobility aids, support person)
- PASRR service type (Community Access, Habilitative, etc.)
Step 3: Broker Approval
The request goes to your NEMT broker, who coordinates with your case manager for approval.
Step 4: Transportation Confirmed
Once approved, the transportation company confirms your ride. This information goes to your caregiver so they know when to expect the transport.
Step 5: Ride Day
The transportation arrives. Your caregiver may accompany you depending on your care plan.
PASRR Specialized Add-on Services
Transportation often connects to other PASRR services:
Community Access
Helps you participate in community activities like:
- Recreation programs
- Shopping trips
- Social outings
- Cultural events
Habilitative Services
Supports skill development through:
- Vocational training
- Educational programs
- Therapy appointments
- Life skills activities
Other Services
Depending on your assessment, you may receive:
- Mental health services
- Behavior support
- Specialized therapies
Scheduling Recurring Transportation
If you attend regular activities (weekly day program, recurring therapy), your agency can set up recurring transportation:
- Select the days of the week
- Set the date range
- Specify pickup and return windows
- The same schedule repeats automatically
This eliminates the need to request rides individually each week.
Special Needs Accommodations
When requesting NEMT, your agency documents any special requirements:
Mobility Equipment
- Wheelchair
- Walker
- Cane
- Wheelchair-accessible van required
Medical Needs
- Oxygen equipment
- Service animal
- Special seating requirements
Support Person
If your care plan includes a support person traveling with you, this is included in the request.
What Caregivers See
When your home care agency uses modern software, your caregiver can see transportation details directly in their app:
- What time the transport is arriving
- Where you're going
- When you'll return
- Any special instructions
This prevents missed rides and ensures coordination between your caregiver and transportation.
Tracking Your Transportation
Good home care agencies track:
- Whether rides were completed
- Cancellations and reasons
- On-time performance
- Any issues or concerns
This documentation helps ensure you receive reliable transportation.
Common Questions
Can family request PASRR transportation?
Transportation requests typically go through your home care agency or case manager, but families can advocate for transportation needs.
What if I need to cancel a ride?
Contact your home care agency as soon as possible. They'll notify the broker and update the schedule.
What if transportation doesn't show up?
Your caregiver should contact the transportation company and agency immediately. Missed rides are documented for follow-up.
Can I use PASRR transportation for personal errands?
Transportation must be for services in your care plan. Personal errands aren't typically covered.
Working With Your Care Team
The best transportation experience comes from good communication:
- Tell your case manager about activities you want to attend
- Work with your agency on scheduling that works
- Communicate changes as early as possible
- Report problems so they can be addressed
Your care team wants to help you participate in your community. Transportation is a key part of that.
Nursing Facilities in Washington State
PASRR applies to all Medicaid-certified nursing facilities. Washington has over 200 nursing homes across the state.
State-Run Residential Habilitation Centers (RHCs)
Washington operates four state-run facilities specifically for people with developmental disabilities. These provide 24/7 support and are federally certified by CMS:
| Facility | Location | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Fircrest School | Shoreline (King County) | ICF and Nursing Facility (5-Star Rating) |
| Lakeland Village | Medical Lake (Spokane County) | ICF and Nursing Facility |
| Rainier School | Buckley (Pierce County) | ICF |
| Yakima Valley School | Selah (Yakima County) | Nursing Facility |
Fircrest serves about 200 residents and earned a Five-Star Rating, ranking among the top 10% of nursing homes in Washington State.
Other Nursing Facilities by Region
Seattle / King County
- Aegis Living (multiple locations)
- Columbia Lutheran Home
- Providence Mount St. Vincent
- Bailey-Boushay House
- Ida Culver House Broadview
- Merrill Gardens at Ballard
Tacoma / Pierce County
- Tacoma Lutheran Home
- Regency at Tacoma Rehabilitation Center
- Park Rose Care Center
- Avamere at Pacific Ridge
- Brookdale Allenmore
Spokane / Eastern Washington
- St. Joseph Care Center
- Spokane Valley Health and Rehabilitation
- Alderwood Manor
- Royal Park Care Center
- Avamere at South Hill
Vancouver / Southwest Washington
- Avamere Rehabilitation of Cascade Park
- Prestige Senior Living Bridgewood
- Touchmark at Fairway Village
Other Regions Facilities are also located in Bellingham, Bremerton, Everett, Federal Way, Kirkland, Mount Vernon, Olympia, Puyallup, Renton, and other communities across Washington.
Find a Facility Near You
- Washington Health Care Association Facility Finder
- DSHS Nursing Home Locator
- Washington PASRR Program (Acentra)
Learn More
If you have questions about PASRR services or transportation:
- Talk to your case manager
- Contact your home care agency
- Visit the Washington DSHS PASRR page
- Ask your nursing facility social worker