By Jerri Lynn Ward, J.D., Garlo Ward, P.C.
Posted July 11, 2002
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently published notice in the Federal Register of modifications to the beneficiary assessment requirements for skilled nursing facilities.
In completing the required quarterly assessments, CMS now gives skilled nursing facilities the option to use a modified, shorter version of the minimum data set (MDS) called the MDS Medicare PPS Assessment Form (MPAF) to satisfy the Medicare SNF payment and quality requirements.
What are the benefits of the shorter version?
The shorter version of the MDS offers several benefits, including a reduced time burden on SNFs by cutting down on the time needed to complete the form nearly in half. CMS estimates that the new form will take 45 minutes to complete, compared to the approximately 90 minutes required to complete the MDS currently in use.
It is CMS’s hope that this may result in saving staff a significant amount of time, and increasing the time available for the provision of beneficiary care.
When can skilled nursing facilities use the shorter form?
The new shorter MDS form may be used in the required Medicare SNF PPS assessments at days 5, 14, 30, 60 and 90 of Medicare Part A covered stays.
The shorter form may also be used to meet the requirement for an Other Medicare Required Assessment (OMRA) 8 to 10 days after cessation of all rehabilitation therapy.
The items on the shorter form are the same as they appear on the full MDS. CMS has not altered wording, instructions for completion or numbering.
When will the new forms be ready?
The new forms were made available for provider use on July 1, 2002. The MPAF is available for viewing at http://www.hcfa.gov/medicaid/mds20/man-form.htm.
CMS also plans to modify the full MDS in order to simplify some items and update others, according to clinical practices. The modified version will be the MDS 3.0, and is expected to be completed in 2004.
All information in this article is informational only and is not legal advice. Should you have any questions or a situation requiring advice, please contact an attorney.
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