MDS Alert

Reader Questions:

Know These Facts About Optional State Assessments

Question: How is the Optional State Assessment (Item A0300) different from the other assessments I need to complete on the Minimum Data Set (MDS)?

Iowa Subscriber

Answer: The Optional State Assessment (OSA) is an item on the MDS that states can require if they want to collect data about state payment reimbursement.

The OSA is optional because it is not federally required, so check with your state agency to find out whether you need to complete it. The assessment is a standalone assessment and it cannot be combined with any other type of assessment, the RAI Manual says.

Any answers provided are used by respective states to calculate the case mix group Health Insurance Prospective Payment System (HIPPS) code for the state’s payment purposes.

If your state doesn’t require the OSA, code 0 for No for item A0300A. If your state does require the OSA, code 1 for A0300A, and then, for A0300B, select the appropriate value to demonstrate the reason behind completing the state assessment, which includes start or end, start and end, or change of therapy assessment, or another payment assessment entirely.