MDS and iQIES

Coming Soon - MDS 2024 Changes!

The MDS Changes will continue to impact providers in 2024, such as: 

• The removal of Section GG discharge goal column 

• The collection of the resident’s COVID vaccination status in Section O relates to updates in the SNF QRP program, finalized in the FY2024 SNF PPS Final Rule

As a provider, it is important to remember that removing the discharge goal does not remove the importance of Section GG, as the new Discharge Function Measure will still be taking GG data into account. Failure to code this data can result in a 2% loss for the facility’s Medicare Annual Percentage Update (APU).

While the changes are not nearly as big as they were for October 2023 it is still important to prepare and ensure your organization is ready for the 2024 changes. By addressing the considerations shown below, your facility can better prepare for the 2024 MDS changes and ensure compliance with the new requirements

Leadership Considerations for MDS 2024 Updates

• Make sure documentation is updated to capture items so your MDS Coordinator can code these items.

• Communication and Training: Ensure that all staff members involved in the MDS process, particularly the MDS Coordinator, are educated about the changes. Provide training sessions or materials to help them understand the new requirements and how to accurately document and code the necessary items. See Pathway Health resources and training to learn more.

• Quality Assurance: Implement a process for ongoing quality assurance to review MDS coding and documentation related to Section GG and Section O. This can help identify any areas for improvement and ensure compliance with the new requirements.

• Collaboration with Clinical Staff: Foster collaboration between the MDS team and clinical staff to ensure that all relevant information is captured accurately in the MDS assessment. Clinical staff should be aware of the importance of documenting information related to Section GG and Section O.

• Monitoring and Compliance: Establish a system for monitoring compliance with the new requirements, including regular audits of MDS assessments. Address any issues or discrepancies promptly to avoid potential penalties.

• Stay Informed: Stay informed about any future updates or changes to the SNF QRP program and be prepared to adapt your processes accordingly. Subscribe to relevant newsletters or updates from CMS to stay up-to-date.

• Documentation Review: Conduct a thorough review of your facility's documentation processes to ensure that they capture all necessary information for MDS coding. Update documentation templates or forms as needed.

Resources:

• Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Measures and Technical Information (CMS)

• Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Training (CMS)

Draft MDS v1.19.1 Data Specs: What to Know and How to Prepare for Oct. 1, 2024

On January 12, 2024, the release of the MDS 3.0 Item Set Change History for October 2024 v1.19.1 item sets (draft) lays out several changes to sections A, B, GG (which will be retitled Functional Abilities), I, J, N, and O on various item sets.

The changes, which for the most part involve coding instruction deletions or revisions, may result in some revisions to the Long-Term Care Facility Resident Assessment Instrument 3.0 User’s Manual (RAI User’s Manual) when the draft v1.19.1 manual is posted by CMS. 

All of the proposed changes can be reviewed using the links shown above.

iQIES notice: Change Request Forms For MDS

ALERT: There is a new location for accessing the Patient Assessment Change Request Forms effective immediately. The Change Request Forms for MDS, OASIS, IRF, LTCH, and Hospice can be found at iQIES Help.  

Please note that State OASIS and State RAI/MDS Coordinators must submit completed and signed forms to the iQIES Service Center by Certified Mail through the US Postal Service Center. 

All Change Request Forms will be retired on the QTSO website. Please dispose of any existing hard or electronic copies containing the old address: 1401 50th St. Suite 200. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the iQIES Service Center by email: iqies@cms.hhs.gov or by phone: (800) 339-9313. To create a new ticket online, track an existing ticket, or recover your HARP password account, please use the CCSQ Support Central: Self-Service Portal.