MDS Coordinator

Department: Nursing

Position Title: MDS Coordinator

This position reports to: Administrator/CEO

JOB SUMMARY

As defined in Appendix A of the RAI User’s Manual, the nurse assessment coordinator (NAC) is “an individual licensed as a registered nurse by the State Board of Nursing and employed by a nursing facility, and is responsible for coordinating and certifying completion of the resident assessment instrument.”

The NAC is ultimately responsible for the oversight and coordination of the federally mandated resident assessment instrument (RAI) process, which includes the MDS assessment, care area assessment, and care plan development or revisions.

The NAC works with the interdisciplinary team (nursing, therapy, dietary, social services, activities, etc.) to complete MDS assessments, analyze care areas, and develop and revise a comprehensive care plan and ensure that compliance is maintained with state and federal guidelines. The NAC is responsible for attesting to the completion of the Minimum Data Set (MDS), which is the key driver of the care plan, Quality Measures, and used for Medicare payment and many Medicaid reimbursement systems. The NAC serves as the expert resource for the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) and is responsible for complying with ethical and timeliness standards when setting ARDs, completing assessments, and upholding Medicare requirements.

Finally, the NAC assists with the coordination of care delivery by applying advanced nursing clinical skills, completing assessments, analyzing data, educating team members, and coordinating the exchange of resident information across the care settings.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions listed below are typical of work performed by staff members in this job classification. This list is only partial and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities.

• Coordinate the RAI process, which includes, at a minimum, the following elements:
• Minimum Data Set (MDS)
• Care Area Assessment process
• Care plan development
• Care plan implementation
• Evaluation
• Provide oversight of assessment completion and transmission to the national repository.
• Review final validation reports and correct or modify assessments in response to warnings or errors as needed
• Coordinate the completion of the comprehensive care plan according to regulatory
• requirements
• Maintain the OBRA and PPS assessment schedules
• Be highly involved in determining skilled level of care for Medicare residents and procuring

required Medicare-specific documentation; be responsible for physician certification/ recertification of a skilled level of care throughout the Medicare stay; be involved in making Medicare eligibility determinations

• Coordinate care with case managers for residents utilizing managed care, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), commercial insurance, and other alternate payment models
• Maintain compliance with state-specific regulations regarding the RAI process
• Provide insight and analysis of MDS-based Quality Measures
• Serve as a member of the quality assessment and assurance (QAA) and/or the quality assurance and performance improvement (QAPI) committees
• Work closely with hospital discharge planners and physicians to obtain accurate and complete documentation to support ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding and surgical procedures
• Audit and improve staff education/competency as needed to ensure accurate and timely completion of supporting documentation and MDS assessments
• Participate in discharge planning, training, caregiver training, and the provision of resources as needed
• Foster effective working relationships and build consensus
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
• Plan, organize, prioritize, work independently, and meet deadlines
• Use judgment and make sound independent decisions
• Work effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization, as well as with residents, family members, visitors, government personnel, and the public
• Be knowledgeable of federal regulations, practice standards, and procedures, as well as guidelines pertaining to the RAI process
• Possess the ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies and procedures, etc., that are necessary for ensuring the accurate and timely completion of the RAI documents
• Have the ability to learn computer systems, system applications, and related office equipment
• Review resident complaints and grievances associated with the RAI process and care delivery protocols; make written reports of action taken; discuss with the resident, representative, and family as appropriate.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES

These are the observable and measurable attributes and skills required to successfully perform the essential functions of the job; they are generally demonstrated through qualifying experience, education, or licensure/certification.

• Must be a Registered Nurse (RN)
• Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) may be hired in secondary NAC positions with RN oversight
• MDS experience or certification is preferred
• At a minimum, must have knowledge of current state and federal regulations, particularly the following pertinent sections of Appendix PP:
• §483.20 Resident Assessments
• §483.21 Comprehensive Resident-Centered Care Plans
• Desired traits: integrity, attention to detail, accuracy, time-management skills, ability to meet deadlines, critical-thinking skills, written and verbal communication skills, care plan development skills, and problem-solving skills.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover all the required activities, duties, and responsibilities, and that these may change at any time, with or without notice.urpose of this position:

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person