The new or expanded data collected for the MDS will not only impact the MDSC and Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) but also policy and processes.
The draft version of the MDS Data Specifications V3.01.0 provides an outline of the anticipated changes. It will be important to review and share this information with your team.
Considerations:
How will the new or expanded data be collected and by whom?
If you use an EHR, discuss with your vendor:
Strategies, training, and timelines.
Discuss any planned changes to current assessments/new assessments. If the assessments are customized, are modifications needed to capture this data?
If you use a paper chart, are there documents that will require revision?
Some new Items that will require new processes to be implemented include, but are not limited to:
Discharge - The discharge process will need to include documentation of medication reconciliation at discharge with subsequent facility and resident.
High-Risk Drug Classes - Section N will include high-risk drug classes and an indication noted for the drug when received. Consider how these items will be documented, along with any updates to your process and policies.
Section G – Section G activities of daily living will be removed. How will this impact CNA documentation? Will the CNAs move towards more Section GG documentation?
Section GG – Do the policies, procedures, and training reflect Section GG and its importance?
What staff training will be needed?
For example:
IDT educated on MDS changes and collecting new or expanded data.
Licensed nurses educated on medication reconciliation at discharge and indications for high-risk drug categories.
Staff training on electronic health record changes.
CNAs trained on documentation changes.
Orientation updated to reflect the changes.
The above information may be the starting block. The upcoming changes may even affect areas such as Quality Measures and Case-Mix.