PSRO-future impact on community mental health centers.

In November 1972 Congress passed P.L. 92-603 creating Professional Standards Review Organizations (PSROs) to involve practicing physicians and other health care professionals in the ongoing review and evaluation of health care services funded through Medicare, Medicaid, and maternal and child health programs. This paper examines the requirements and components of the PSRO program, the mandate for nonphysician peer review, and future implications for mental health facilities including community mental health centers. With the eventual review of community mental health centers by PSRO's, centers must begin plans for implementing review programs that evaluate the necessity, the quality, and the cost of services.