CMS has updated the MDS 3.0 page with the following files: (Updated Information -- June 2009)

RUGIII MDS 30 Mapping Specifications (posted June 8, 2009) [PDF 1.8 MB]

MDS 20 to 30 Item Navigational Reference (posted June 5, 2009) [PDF 430 KB]

Consolidated States Section S items (posted June 5, 2009) [PDF 189 KB]

CMS continues to be on schedule for their posted October 1, 2010 debut of the MDS 3.0 and RUGs IV.

March MDS 3.0 Information Update

• RAI Manual: Chapters 2 and 4 along with Appendix C have been published on the MDS 3.0 homepage www.cms.hhs.gov/NursingHomeQualityInits/25_NHQIMDS30.asp


• MDS 3.0 Item Subsets V1.00.1 January 2010: Includes a file called MDS3.0_Item_Changes_v1.00.1.pdf that lists the changes that have made since the previously-posted version to each of the individual item subsets.


• The previously-posted MDS 3.0 Item Matrix has been moved to Appendix F of the RAI manual. A more detailed version of the item matrix that is intended for software developers is available as part of the MDS 3.0 data submission specifications.


• Information about the upcoming MDS 3.0 training in March and April has also been added to the MDS 3.0 Training Conference Information web page www.cms.hhs.gov/NursingHomeQualityInits/40_NHQIMDS30TrainingConferenceInformation.asp

All details regarding the training and registration process is contained within this webpage. Individuals will not be able to get any additional information by contacting CMS staff or submitting questions to: MDS30Comments@cms.hhs.gov

A listserv note will be sent out when additional information becomes available. Any questions about the MDS 3.0 RAI manual can be directed to: MDS30Comments@cms.hhs.gov

Any technical questions pertaining to software development should be directed to: Michael.Stoltz@cms.hhs.gov. Responses to questions will be provided during regularly scheduled CMS public teleconferences.

What's New with MDS 3.0? -- * June 2009 *

MDS 3.0 Update -- RAP changes to CAT

Karen Schoeneman, of CMS’ Division of Nursing Homes, clarified differences between the Resident Assessment Protocols (RAPs) on the MDS 2.0 and the CATs (Care Area Triggers) on the MDS 3.0. The CAT process is basically the same as the RAP process, but instead of using a set framework for the additional assessment (a RAP), facilities will be able to choose the clinical process guideline(s) they wish to use (a CAT).

According to Schoeneman, RAPs are not comprehensive and do not cover every condition or issue a resident may have. “The internet contains countless resources related to clinical practice guidelines for any particular issue that might be triggered by the MDS assessment process,” Schoeneman said. “CMS decided that it was time to let the providers be free to choose and use the clinical practice guideline or authoritative source material they wish to complete that in-depth assessment process.”

The updated RAI Users’ Manual will include a list of government websites with free clinical practice guidelines that have been researched and are authoritative, which providers can use. Providers will still have the option of using CMS’ clinical practice guidelines, as the updated manual will also include RAP outlines as they are in their current state.

MDS 3.0 Update -- Implementation Date is now scheduled for 10/1/2010

Reported By: Christina Stillwell-Deaner, RN, MPH, PHP
US Department of Health & Human Services
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

As CMS recognizes the challenges a 10/1/09 implementation of the MDS 3.0 poses, CMS staff have been actively listening to states and other stakeholders' concerns as of late and considering an alternative implementation date to grant all its stakeholders more time to accommodate necessary changes.

To that end, CMS has officially decided to revise the MDS 3.0 implementation date - the date is now scheduled for 10/1/2010.

CMS plans to begin announcing this to States, providers, and other stakeholders in the coming days, including on the next SNF LTC Open Door Forum.

This obviously means revisions to the MDS 3.0 implementation schedule, which includes the RAI Coordinators' Conference and other trainings and communications. While many of these decisions have yet to be made, we will work hard to keep you posted as revisions and decisions are made.

AMS Note: CMS has updated the MDS 3.0 timeline which identifies the final specifications will be made available October 2009.

If you wish to view the entire timeline, log-on to: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/NursingHomeQualityInits/25_NHQIMDS30.asp

Accu-Med Services has been planning for MDS 3.0 enhancements over the past year. All products have been analyzed for MDS 3.0 compatibility and enhancement opportunity. We will assist you however possible to make a smooth transition. If you have any questions or comments you may contact:

Product News

• Accu-Med will provide MDS 3.0 solutions for all of our MDS 3.0 products.
• Should any of our facilities choose to take advantage of this MDS transition time to upgrade from DOS to Windows or to our 'next generation, workflow driven' Orcas product, migration paths and special pricing are available.
• Stayed tuned for updates we'll post throughout 2009.

Training News

• Accu-Med Services will offer cost efficient web training for MDS 3.0 on all of our products.
• On-site education is available if selected.
• ACC will create video lessons to watch over and over again to ease the transition to a new MDS.
• Stay posted for CMS Training tools soon to be released.

Regulatory News

CMS has released draft specifications for MDS 3.0

For your convenience and perusal attached are:

1. The new MDS 3.0 form including Sections A to Z released 10/28/08.
2. A 19 page document released by CMS describing the major changes between MDS 2.0 and MDS 3.0.

If you are interested in more detailed specifications they are available for download from CMS at:

http://www.cms.hhs.gov/NursingHomeQualityInits/25_NHQIMDS30.asp

We are creating the MDS 3.0 in the same fashion as the MDS 2.0 to minimize the learning curve on a new MDS assessment. The workflow for the MDS 3.0 is much the same; a group of questions will trigger RAPs that require additional assessment and determination to proceed or not to care planning with summary documentation to defend the clinical decision. Some of the biggest differences are the resident interview section and differences in the look back window and scoring definitions.

The RAPs, RAP & RUG triggers, RAI guidelines for triggered RAPS and the user manual have not yet been released by CMS. There are several new requirements to enhance electronci medical records and interoperability.

CMS also has not yet released their rollout plan so we don't know if the entire nation will switch simultaneously or if States will rollout independently. No States have announced a State specific Section S but we do anticipate many States will.

If your organization has any suggestions to increased the flexibility or efficiencies of the MDS module please do not hesitate to share them, via a call to our support team, as we complete the MDS 3.0 design and development over the next couple of months.