OBRA assessment
Also written as: OBRA — Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act evaluation required for nursing home residents to screen for mental illness and intellectual disabilities before psychotropic medication administration.
Full Definition
OBRA assessment refers to the comprehensive evaluation mandated by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 for nursing home residents. This assessment screens for mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and related conditions before psychotropic medications can be prescribed or continued. The OBRA assessment includes cognitive testing, behavioral observation, psychiatric history review, and determination of whether psychotropic medications are clinically appropriate or represent chemical restraint. The assessment must be conducted by qualified mental health professionals and updated regularly. OBRA regulations aim to prevent inappropriate use of psychotropic medications in elderly residents and ensure that behavioral interventions are attempted before pharmaceutical approaches.
Usage
Usage note: Sometimes referred to as PASARR (Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review) in certain contexts.
In Context
- "The OBRA assessment determined that the resident's agitation stemmed from untreated depression rather than dementia." — Nursing home psychiatric consultation
- "Federal regulations require annual OBRA assessments for all residents receiving psychotropic medications." — Compliance training manual