Admission Policy

It is the policy of MCNH that Residents admitted to the Merrimack County Nursing Home should be residents of Merrimack County, however, out of county persons can be admitted when approved by the Administrator or the Board of Commissioners.

Policy Interpretation and Implementation

Persons will not be refused based on their race, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability.

Application Requirement

All persons admitted should be on the specific order of a physician. Prior to admission the following medical records are required to be provided to the Facility.

1. All recent hospital history and physicals including discharge summaries and consultations
2. If no discharge summary is available, a history and physical done within one (1) month must be submitted by the applicant’s primary physician prior to admission.
3. Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) level 1 screening as required by the BEAS.
4. In the case of individuals with mental illness and/or developmental disabilities, PASRR level 2 screenings and approvals are required to determine appropriate long term placements.
5. All required tests and evaluations must be completed if recommended during the PASRR process
6. Dispensing pharmacy will review all medications for allergies, drug interactions, duplicate therapies, dosing discrepancies and other clinical issues for FNH new admissions and new orders. Pharmacy will contact facility with concerns; facility will clarify & reconcile within 24 hours.

Mantoux Testing

Non-discrimination on payor source

Merrimack County does not discriminate based on payor source. The facility accepts applicants who have sufficient funds or long term care insurance to pay the facilities and service rate charges. The facility also accepts applicants who meet the Medicaid asset and income financial limits. In addition Merrimack County can only accept applicants for whom it can adequately provide medical, psychosocial and mental health and rehabilitation services.

Emergency admissions

Emergency admissions can occur with the permission of both the Medical Director and the Administrator, or their duly authorized representatives. All prospective residents admitted on an emergency basis shall be evaluated and referred by a physician or by an emergency room physician at a hospital. All applicable consent forms and admission forms must be completed.

All persons admitted should be informed and offered assistance regarding advance directives. Durable Health Care Power of Attorney or Guardianship documents should be submitted with the application.

Visit and Review prior to admission

The facility reserves the right to have qualified personnel visit and review the prospective resident’s medical record prior to admission and to obtain insurance coverage information in order to verify insurance coverage for billing purposes prior to admission. Upon completion of this review by the facility, a decision on the admission will be made based upon the prospective resident’s needs, insurance, financial and benefits eligibility, treatment suitability and bed availability for placement. The facility reserves the right to make necessary bed/unit changes based upon medical necessity.

Background Checks

Criminal Record background checks may be required for applicants requesting admission for long term care. These record checks are necessary to ensure the safety and well being of our residents.