Provider Webinar July 16
This information is intended for Long Term Care Facility Administrators, Directors of Nursing, Minimum Data Set (MDS) Coordinators, and staff who work with the MDS.
Assessment Notice change
In July, the Assessment Notice located in the Case Mix Review (CMR) Portal will display the Resource Utilization Group (RUG)-IV classification along with the Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM) Nursing Component classification. The RUG-IV classification will be effective as listed and the PDPM Nursing Component will be effective on October 1, 2025.
Minimum Data Assessment (MDS) requirement for October 1
- Effective October 1, the Optional State Assessment (OSA) will no longer be required as a standalone assessment after all therapy or isolation is completed or with any Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) assessment.
- If the most recent assessment completed prior to October 1 is a standalone OSA, an OBRA assessment will need to be completed, submitted and accepted into the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) data base on or before September 30 to calculate a PDPM Nursing Component classification effective October 1.
- Effective October 1, a Significant Change in Status assessment will need to be completed on day 15, after isolation services have ended.
MDS supporting documentation
- Case Mix Review staff will be looking for Functional Abilities supporting documentation on all three shifts during the observation period.
- The resident’s self-care and mobility performance is based on direct observation, incorporating resident self-reports, reports from qualified clinicians, care staff/nursing assistants, and family documented in the medical record during the observation period.
- Documentation to complete the MDS must be obtained and documented in the medical record on or prior to the Assessment Reference Date (ARD). MDS coding must be consistent with the clinical assessments documented in the medical record.
Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES)
- The iQIES User Interface Tool will no longer receive updates after October 1. Facilities who use the iQIES User Interface for manual completion and submission of their MDS’ will need to transition to vendor, third-party, or company software to complete MDS records. All assessments with a target date of October 1 and later must be submitted in XML format.
Training opportunities
The Case Mix Review (CMR) Program at the Minnesota Department of Health is offering training regarding changes to assessments effective October 1. The training will be presented by the State RAI Coordinator, Nadine Olness, RN RAC-CTA and Robin Lewis, RN Minnesota Case Mix Review Program Supervisor.
Contact information
For questions, please reach out to the Case Mix Review team at Health.MDS@state.mn.us.