MDS Version 1.19.1 Changes Coming (SNF)

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it will release Minimum Data Set (MDS) changes in January 2024 that will become effective October 1, 2024. The changes are intended to align the MDS with upcoming changes to the SNF Value Based Purchasing (VBP) program and will include edits to the MDS Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Manual. The changes include the removal of self-care and mobility discharge goals for patients admitted after October 1, 2023, the addition of COVID-19 vaccine reporting for residents (in addition to current required National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) reporting.), and the addition of anticonvulsant medication use.