MDS 3.0 RAI v1.18.11 Training and Guidance Opportunities Available (SNF)

CMS Training: CMS is offering a virtual training program to provide instruction on the updated guidance for the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) v1.18.11 Manual and Item Set. This training is part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure SNF providers have access to the educational materials necessary to understand and comply with the guidance changes. This guidance will affect reporting requirements associated with the SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP) that will go into effect October 1, 2023. A major focus of this training will be on the cross-setting implementation of the standardized patient assessment data elements to ensure more consistent reporting and evaluation across post-acute care settings.

Training consists of pre-recorded webinars that deliver foundational knowledge to assist in learning the new and/or revised items and associated guidance. A supplemental Capstone Case Study is also available to give providers additional practice in coding the new and/or revised items. These videos are available now on CMS YouTube.

Additional training resources are located within ZIP files in the Downloads section of the SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Training page. These resources include an acronym list, action plan worksheet, case study documents, coding scenario reference packet, resource guide, and PDF versions of the training webinars and coding workshops.

If you have questions regarding access to the resources or feedback related to the training, please email the PAC Training Mailbox. Submit content-related questions to the SNF QRP Help Desk.

AHCA Training: AHCA released training guidance for Section D and Section GG to aid members in preparing for implementation on October 1. 

Changes to Section D include:

• Revision of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9©) interview to the PHQ-2 to 9© interview. The PHQ-2 to 9© interview is a validated interview that screens for symptoms of depression and provides a standardized severity score and rating for evidence of a depressive disorder.
• Incorporation of the Standardized Patient Assessment Data Elements (SPADES) pertaining to isolation.

Changes to section GG include:

• Incorporation of four items from Section G (discontinued): GG0115-Funtciontal Limitation in Range of Motion, GG0120 Mobility Devices, GG0130I Personal Hygiene, GG0170FF Tub/Shower Transfer
• Revision of coding definitions for GG0100. Updated coding definitions for Independent and Dependent to clarify that either the resident or the helper completed all the activities as well as updated the definition for Need Some Help to clarify that help was needed to complete any activities. 
• Expansion of GG0130 and GG0170 to allow for data collection on all assessments: Admission, quarterly, PPS, discharge, IPA, and Part A PPS discharges. 

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