October 2024 MDS Updates: What You Need to Know
In October 2024, changes to the MDS 3.0 RAI v1.19.1 will take effect, and while minor, they should not be overlooked as inconsequential.
The reality for many organizations is that they struggle to complete section GG accurately; data is often missing or inaccurate, and even though the completion is an interdisciplinary process, the RAI coordinators are tasked to determine the resident’s usual functional abilities.
What Are the Latest MDS Updates?
The latest MDS 3.0 v1.19.1 changes include sections A-B-D-GG-I-J-N and O. While many of the changes were related to the language provided in the instructions, some of the more notable updates focused on revisions to the 5-day PPS (NP) and Medicare A discharge (NPE) item sets.
The updates and revisions to the NP v1.19.1 item set include eliminating the discharge goal in GG0130 self-care and GG0170 mobility. Additionally, NP item set changes include deleting completion instructions for sections I0020, J2000, J2100, and N2001.
On October 1, 2024, updates will include adding new items, such as N0415K: Anticonvulsant and O0350: Capturing the resident’s COVID-19 vaccination status; on August 26, 2024, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual (v1.19.1R) Hyperlink Update Supplement v1 due to the restructuring of the CDC website.
Important: The MDS drives reimbursement, quality, and regulatory compliance. The FY 2025 final rule outlines the importance of completing 90% of the required items on 100% of the MDS assessments submitted to iQEIS. Failure to submit the required quality data may result in a two-percentage-point (2%) reduction in the SNF’s annual rate update for Medicare A.
Leadership Considerations
As you prepare for the upcoming MDS updates, ensure your organization reviews its current processes and develops a plan to accurately complete the MDS item sets. Consider the following:
- Review the Current MDS Process: Consider auditing 10% of the MDS assessments for accuracy and completion, focusing on ICD-10 diagnosis coding, Section GG, interviews, vaccinations, and reconciliation of medications.
- Know Residents’ Vaccination Status Before Admission: Implement a plan to assess a resident’s vaccination status before admission. Ensure the dismissal summaries include the resident’s vaccination status and offer vaccinations based on the current CDC guidelines.
- Provide Your Team with Additional Education: Educate the interdisciplinary team on the MDS changes, the Quality Reporting Program, and Value-based purchasing.
Resources:
Pathway Health Resources
Upcoming MDS Training
MDS Excellence – Introduction to the Complete RAI Process
Upcoming Classes:
- October 7-11, 2024 | 8:30 AM – 1 PM CT
- December 16-20, 2024 | 11:30 AM – 4 PM CT
About the Class: Designed to provide the new MDS Coordinator with the knowledge to accurately code each section of the MDS. This class also includes the MDS Comprehensive Toolkit. The class reviews each section of the MDS, the RAI manual instructions for coding as well as practical tips about where to find the supporting documentation and how to assist other disciplines with accurate coding of assigned sections. The class includes an expanded look at MDS scheduling for OBRA and PPS and an expanded look at the appropriate completion of Care Area Assessments.