1. Referral Screening Verification Process (RSVP)
NC Department of Health and Human Services
Referral Screening Verification Process (RSVP)
Stacey Lee, BS
DMH/DD/SAS
TCLI Diversion Lead
January 9, 2019

2. Introduction RSVP – The What and Why?
Referral Screening Verification Process (RSVP) is the new tool that has been implemented by The Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) for individuals being considered for admission to an Adult Care Home (ACH) as of November 1, RSVP has replaced ACH Pre-Admission Screening Resident Review (PASRR) for in order to provide a more streamlined and effective process.
Why do I need to do RSVP?
The RSVP Referral ID # has replaced the ACH PASRR #.
To obtain a RSVP referral ID # for an individual that is being considered for ACH admission, to initiate screening for Transitions to Community Living Initiative (TCLI), and for Person Care Services (PCS).

3. Referral Submissions Who should be referred through RSVP?
Regardless of diagnosis, ALL Medicaid-eligible individuals who are being considered for admission to an ACH under G.S. 131D-2.4, with the exception of mental health group homes, will require the RSVP
Individuals that had a ACH PASRR completed prior to 11/1/18 AND there has been a significant change in the individuals medical or psychiatric status OR a change in the individuals level of care.
All Medicaid-eligible individuals requesting Personal Care Services (PCS). Beneficiaries will not be assessed for PCS without a Referral Screening ID.
Who should NOT be referred to RSVP? 
Individuals that had a ACH PASRR submitted prior to 11/1/18 AND enter a medical or psychiatric hospital, an acute or sub-acute rehabilitation facility, or a long-term acute care hospital for medical or psychiatric treatment, AND they are returning to the same ACH after treatment.
Individuals who request to transfer from one ACH to another ACH AND they already have an ACH PASRR prior to 11/1/18, they can transfer using the ACH PASRR # if they are medically and psychiatrically stable.         

4. Referral Submissions
Will we need to purchase or install software to access RSVP?
No. RSVP is web-based and only requires access to the internet to compete an online referral. The link to submit referrals is public. RSVP is compatible with the following internet browsers: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Internet Explorer version IE11 or more newer.
Who can submit a Referral using RSVP?
ANYONE can submit a referral using RSVP 
(i.e., Individual consumers, guardians, family members, advocates, providers, hospitals and LME/MCO staff).
How to Submit a Referral?
Option #1: URL (
Option #2: Paper version (only to be used if no internet access is available)

5. Referral Submissions
Does an individual’s guardian need to be informed to make a referral?
If the individual has a guardian that is considered a “guardian of the person or general guardian” but NOT the “guardian of the estate,” that guardian MUST give consent (verbal or written) BEFORE making the referral.
How do I obtain “consent” from the individual or guardian in order to complete an RSVP referral?
The consent should ideally be written, but there could be circumstances where verbal consent is faster.  If verbal consent is obtained, then the referrer will need to internally document the verbal consent. 

6. Referral Submissions When should the referral be completed?
During hospital admission discharge planning and prior to the admission of a Medicaid- eligible individual into an ACH
Prior to making a request for a PCS Assessment
What happens after the referral is submitted?
The referrer will see a referral submission page that contains a Referral ID #
The referrer will have the capability to save or print the referral submission that contains the Referral ID # using the web browser option. It is HIGHLY recommended that you print the final submission page for your records.
Once you have received the Referral ID #, there is nothing further that is necessary in order to discharge or admit an individual. There are no approval #’s or letters that you must wait for now. The referral source may be contacted in order to gather further information to verify either a primary medical or primary mental health diagnosis but this does not impede discharge or admission.

7. Additional RSVP Information
Who do we contact if we have questions?
If you have any questions regarding RSVP, please Stacey Lee, BS TCLI Diversion Lead at or the contact the RSVP line at
Where can I access additional information regarding RSVP?
The following links contain information regarding RSVP:
(DHHS-TCLI Webpage - contains FAQ)
(RSVP YouTube Webinar)
clinical-coverage-policies (N.C. Medicaid Clinical Coverage Policy 3L – Personal Care Services)