A high-level overview of upcoming MDS modifications as well as ways to prepare.
On October 1st, 2024, the latest changes to the Minimum Data Set (MDS) Assessment from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will go into effect. CMS released a draft of the MDS 1.19.1 in mid-January and the updated Appendix B of the RAI 3.0 User’s Manual is now available. It was only last October when the MDS 3.0 went into effect marking significant shifts in MDS, such as the transition from Section G to GG, the introduction of Section N0415 for medication lists, and enhanced requirements for Transfer of Health Information QRP quality measures. These newest changes are small compared to that launch, but here’s what you need to know.
What Changes Can We Expect from MDS 1.19.1?
While CMS states that the changes are only minor, MDS assessment accuracy is always important for maximum reimbursement and a citation-free facility. These upcoming modifications focus on three main areas of the MDS:
- Section GG: Self-care and Mobility – Will exclude the discharge goal column in the 5-day Medicare MDS.
- Section O: Immunizations - Updated to include items for gathering information on the resident's COVID vaccination status.
- Section N: High-Risk Medications and Indication for Use – Will include a new item for collecting information on the use of anticonvulsant medications.
How to Prepare for October 1st MDS Changes
To help you and your staff prepare for the upcoming MDS changes, there are a few different options available to you – depending on your facility.
With facilities still struggling to comply with the changes from last October, some may turn to additional training. AAPACN offers a variety of training courses to assist your team such as the MDS Essentials courses which break down individual coding sections. Aside from AAPACN, there is a four-part course available through CMS.
Another tool to use in tandem with training is an MDS Audit. An MDS Audit can help you gauge your facility’s current MDS Assessment accuracy and create an action plan to address process or knowledge gaps. MDS Audits can help you ensure you’ve mastered the most recent MDS changes and are prepared for the next release.
If your facility is struggling to hire or retain an MDS Coordinator or are concerned about your MDSC’s ability to master the MDS 3.0, Polaris Group offers outsourced and Remote MDS Coordinators. This staffing solution can increase your assessment accuracy, stabilize your clinical leadership, and ensure you’re on top of the current as well as any future MDS changes.
Polaris Group is a leading post-acute healthcare consulting company trusted by long-term care communities across the country. Contact us today to see what makes us the preferred consulting group to help your community with your MDS and compliance needs. Also, check out our MDS 3.0 blog series to brush up on the previous changes from October.
