MDS Focus Update – Changes to Sections A & B (SNF)

The MDS 3.0 version v1.18.11 final item sets and draft RAI guidance were released April 3, 2023, and substantial changes were made to several sections.

Section A — Changes made to section A include: 

• Incorporation of the Standardized Patient Assessment Data Elements (SPADES).
• Race, Ethnicity, and Preferred Language, which allows for standardized data collection across all health care settings. 
• Two new QRP Measures which capture Transfer of Health (TOH) Information to the provider and the patient, beginning on October 1, 2023, on all Part A PPS discharges.

AHCA created an MDS Section A resource document to help members breakdown the changes. The information in the resource document outlines key changes to MDS Section A, Coding Instructions/RAI Guidelines for each item, and Actions to Consider for implementation across your facility.

Section B — Changes made to Section B include:

• Incorporation of the Standardized Patient Assessment Data Elements (SPADES).
• Health Literacy, which allows for standardized data collection across all health care settings. 

An MDS Section B resource document is available to assist members. The document outlines key changes to MDS Section B, Coding Instructions/RAI Guidelines for each item, and Actions to Consider for implementation across a facility. HCAM will share updates on additional section changes in future newsletters to help you prepare for the go-live date of October 1, 2023