CMS releases draft version of Nursing Home MDS

Posted on September 15, 2022 by Erin Huppert

A draft version of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) Nursing Home Comprehensive Item has been released ahead of the October 2023 implementation date. The sheer volume of proposed updates means that operators and their software providers have their work cut out for them to be ready by Oct. 1, 2023.

Ahead of Labor Day weekend, CMS released a draft of updated Minimum Data Set (MDS) specifications for nursing homes. A final version of the patient assessment tool is due later this year. The release is consistent with a version introduced in 2020, which was withdrawn due to the COVID-19 pandemic and provider concerns.

What Changed?

Significant revisions and item set changes include:

• All of Section G Changes include the removal of Section G (functional status)
• Replacement of the PHQ-9 with the PHQ 2-9
• Addition of items related to the 2 Transfer of Health Information measures and the Standardized Patient Assessment Data Elements (SPADEs)
• Section N0410 has replaced N0415 High-Risk Drug Classes: Use and Indication

What Do These Changes Mean for Care Centers?

This change to the MDS is significant. The volume of data providers will need to collect begins in October of 2023 and will require preparation, education, coding changes, and collaboration with software partners. LeadingAge Minnesota will continue working with its national partners to share timely, relevant, and actionable information as it moves forward.