This week, CMS posted the draft Minimum Data Set (MDS) Nursing Home Comprehensive (NC) Item set version 1.18.11 in the Downloads section on the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Manual page. CMS plans to release the final version of the MDS Item Sets later in 2022, which will be effective beginning October 1, 2023.
One big change is the removal of Section G, the optional state assessment, which many states, including Ohio, rely on to continue to use the RUGS IV case mix system. This morning, LeadingAge Ohio met with the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) which shared that this change had been anticipated. While transition from RUGS IV to PDPM was being considered and examined, the elimination of the optional state assessment may expedite that transition. ODM is convening a work group which will focus on how this affects the current Medicaid reimbursement, and LeadingAge Ohio will keep members apprised of any changes. Questions may be directed to Stephanie DeWees at sdewees@leadingageohio.org or Susan Wallace at swallace@leadingageohio.org.