MDS Alert

Catch Up On Changes To Appendix B, Data Submission Specs & Item Sets

On June 20, the CMS released an updated version of the RAI Manual’s Appendix B. The update includes changes to the list of state RAI coordinators, MDS automation coordinators, RAI panel members, and regional office contacts. You can view the revised Appendix B at www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/NursingHomeQualityInits/Downloads/MDS-RAI-Manual-Appendix-B-6132014.pdf

Also, on May 22, CMS released a new version (V1.14.1) of the data submission specifications for the MDS 3.0, as well as the final revised version V1.12.0 of the MDS item sets. This is a final version that will become effective on Oct. 1, 2014. 

Among the updates and changes the most notable is delaying the requirement for using ICD-10 diagnosis codes in item I8000 — Additional active diagnoses. CMS will continue to require you to submit ICD-9 diagnosis codes in item I8000, due to the delay in the ICD-10 implementation.

To view the new data submission specs, go to www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/NursingHomeQualityInits/Downloads/MDS-30-Submission-Specs-V1141-for-the-October-1-2014-Release.zip. The direct link for the item subsets V1.12.0 www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/NursingHomeQualityInits/Downloads/Revised-MDS-30-Item-Subsets-V1120-for-the-October-1-2014-Release-updated-5-8-2014.zip. 

Or you can view these documents by visiting www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/NursingHomeQualityInits/NHQIMDS30TechnicalInformation.html and scrolling down to the Downloads section at the bottom of the webpage.