In a S&C letter dated August 23, 2013, “Minimum Data Set (MDS 3.0) Discharge Assessments that Have Not Been Completed and/or Submitted” (Ref: S&C:13-56-NH), CMS clarifies requirements for discharge assessments for inactive residents who no longer reside in the facility. The agency notes that failure to completed MDS 3.0 discharge assessments creates inaccuracies in Quality Measures (QMs) data, which then impacts residents, facility payments and facility liabilities.
As of October 1, 2013, MDS assessments that are older than 3 years will not be accepted any longer, so CMS has provided a list of requirements to facilities that have not completed or submitted discharge assessments prior to September 30, 2013. The steps are clearly outlined in this memo and require the facility to complete discharge requirements for any residents who were discharged prior to October 1, 2012 and include an actual date of discharge. The same requirement for a discharge requirement stands for residents who were discharged on/after October 1, 2013.
CMS makes note of the fact that inaccurate or complete discharge assessments creates errors on several reports, including MDS 3.0 Roster reports, MDS 3.0 Facility Characteristics Reports, and MDS 3.0 Missing Assessment Reports. All facilities should have clear policies and procedures that ensure the accurate and timely completion of MDS 3.0 Discharge Assessments.
