Completing MDS 3.0 discharge assessments has been a requirement since October 1, 2010. However, many homes are not completing these assessments.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a Survey and Certification memorandum on August 23, 2013, which clarifies the assessments are required. The memo helps surveyors understand what nursing homes should do when they have inactive residents on their resident roster, and how nursing homes can ensure compliance with these requirements.
CMS is providing an opportunity to rectify the current situation related to missing and incomplete discharge assessments. Homes must complete missing discharge assessments as soon as possible, but no later than September 30, 2013. Homes can self-audit their MDS assessments by accessing the CASPER system and requesting a MDS 3.0 Resident Roster or a MDS 3.0 Missing Assessment Report.
If you need assistance accessing or interpreting these reports, please contact the State MDS Unit at 573-751-6308, joan.brundick@health.mo.gov or 573-522-8421, denise.mueller@health.mo.gov.
Please review the CMS Memo – Ref: S&C: 13-56-NH online at www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/Policy-and-Memos-to-States-and-Regions-Items/Survey-and-Cert-Letter-13-56.html.