Section 151-E:7 - Needs Assessment for Applicants for Nursing Facility ServicesI. In order to determine the most cost effective and appropriate level of long-term care services, the department shall assess the clinical eligibility of each applicant to a nursing facility in a uniform manner throughout the state. The assessment shall be voluntary for all applicants, except those who have applied for or have been determined to be eligible for medicaid benefits.II. The assessment shall be completed prior to admission or, if necessary for reasons of the person's health or safety, as soon after admission as possible, in accordance with rules adopted by the department pursuant to RSA 541-A.III. The department in a uniform manner throughout the state shall determine whether the person is clinically eligible for nursing facility services.IV. The department shall inform both the applicant and the administrator of the nursing facility of the department's determination of the services needed by the applicant and shall provide information and assistance to the applicant in accordance with RSA 151-E:9.V. If a nursing facility admits a person who at the time of admission was not determined to be clinically eligible for the level of services provided by a nursing facility and that person, within a 3-year period after admission, is determined to be financially eligible for medicaid benefits pursuant to RSA 151-E:3, I(b), the nursing facility shall be responsible for all costs of medicaid-funded long-term care services provided to the individual for the period of time, not to exceed one year, from the date of the determination of financial eligibility to the end of the third year of admission unless the individual is determined to be clinically eligible for nursing facility services.VI. Any assessment of medical needs conducted under this section shall be conducted by a qualified medical professional.1998, 388:1, eff. Nov. 25, 1998.