Here is one of the more complete response that I have received so far:
Standard PE 1.3. states: Functional status is assessed when 
warranted by the patient's needs or condition. 
Standard PE 1.3.1 : All patients referred for rehabilitation services 
receive a functional assessment. 
intent:"In the initial patient assessment, the hospital identifies patients 
who require a functional assessment using criteria developed by 
rehabilitation specialists and other qualified professionals. This functional 
assessment in turn, identifies any patient who will need rehabilitation 
services. Any patients who are currently receiving rehabilitation 
services have had a functional assessment. 
Some patients coming into the hospital setting may need rehabilitation 
services or other services addressing their ability to function. Therefore, 
it is important for the hospital to identify patients with special needs." 
In a phone conversation with a JCAHO "standards specialists" today, 
he explained that they see this process occurring when the nursing 
service performs an evaluation on a newly admitted patient. The physical 
therapy service and the nursing service should develop the screen 
material which nursing can use during the nurses initial evaluation. 
The second step in the process is to have a mechanism in place which 
will permit physical therapy intervention when a functional deficit is 
identified.



At 06:24 AM 5/30/98 -0400, you wrote:
>
>
>----------
>> From: Peter Kovacek <[log in to unmask]>
>> To: [log in to unmask]
>> Subject: JCAHO Functional Assessment Standard
>> Date: Thursday, May 28, 1998 8:49 PM
>> 
>> One of the hospitals that I work with asked this question - I am not able
>> to give a good answer - Can any one help?
>> 
>> I am looking for info regarding what acute
>> >care hospitals  are doing to meet the JCAHO Functional Assessment
>> >standard.  The standard is: in the initial patient assessment, the
>hospital
>> >identifies patients who require a functional assessment using criteria
>> >developed by rehab specialists and other qualified professionals.  This
>> >functional assessment in turn, identifies any patients who will need
>rehab
>> >services.   This is a new standard for us and I am looking for any input
>on
>> >what other hospitals have done to meet this standard.  
>> >I'm also interested in what other facilities have developed as a process
>> >once the assessment was done, i.e.  who initiated the order for rehab
>> >services, time frame etc..  
>> Peter R. Kovacek, MSA, PT
>> KovacekManagementServices, Inc.
>> The FOCUS Group, Inc.
>> 20225 Danbury Lane
>> Harper Woods, MI  48225
>> (313) 884-8920
>> (313) 884-8510 Fax
>> Email [log in to unmask] 
>> <http://www.theFOCUSgroup.net>
>
>I don't have the answer, but am very interested in understanding what this
>standard is, 'cause I have not heard about it.  I work in an acute care
>setting, inpatient and refer many pt's to rehab. and no one in my hospital
>has ever told  me about this functional standard.  I personally am trying
>to improve on my documentation so if there is any info out there or
>references please pass it along.  One of my collegues told me that if a pt.
>amb more than 50 ft. they are not eligible for acute rehab., is this
>correct?  
>Thanks in advance,
>Robin MSPT
> 
Peter R. Kovacek, MSA, PT
KovacekManagementServices, Inc.
The FOCUS Group, Inc.
20225 Danbury Lane
Harper Woods, MI  48225
(313) 884-8920
(313) 884-8510 Fax
Email [log in to unmask] 
<http://www.theFOCUSgroup.net>


%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%