The CMS is taking a proactive approach to equip skilled nursing facilities with the knowledge and resources to navigate the revised guidelines for the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) v1.18.11 Manual and Item Set (technical information).
To facilitate this, the CMS has redesigned its virtual training program, the SNF MDS 3.0 RAI v1.18.11 Guidance Training Program, to educate SNF providers on the latest guidance changes, which will impact reporting requirements for the SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP), starting on October 1st, 2023.
Ensuring Consistent Reporting and Evaluation Across Post-Acute Care Settings
The training program’s central theme will be implementing standardized patient assessment data elements across post-acute care settings. By promoting more uniform reporting and evaluation practices, the CMS aims to improve the quality of care provided in SNFs while enhancing patient outcomes.
What Does the Training Program Entail?
The training program comprises two parts, offering a comprehensive learning experience for SNF providers:
Part 1: Learn
This entails pre-recorded training webinars. The informative videos are available via the CMS YouTube channel and are recommended to be viewed before the live event on June 21, 2023.
The video topics provide foundational knowledge on the following:
- New and revised items in the MDS 3.0 RAI v1.18.11 Manual
- Valuable insights into the associated guidance and coding practices
- Access to a supplemental Capstone Case Study, enabling providers with a better understanding to practice coding on the new and revised items effectively
Part 2: Practice
This part of the training program involves live, virtual workshops held on June 21st, 2023, from 12:30 PM to 5 PM (EST). These workshops offer invaluable practice and guidance from industry experts. During these sessions, participants can apply their knowledge from Part 1’s training webinars by coding scenarios based on the selected data elements.
SNF providers interested in joining the live webinar sessions can register here.
Comprehensive Training Resources
The CMS also provides supplementary training resources that are readily available via the downloads section of the SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Training page. These resources are designed to enhance understanding while assisting SNF providers in mastering the revised reporting requirements.
Providers will find the following materials and more in the ZIP file:
- An acronym list
- An action plan worksheet
- Case study documents
- A resource guide
- PDF versions of the training webinars
- Training materials (including in-person training and training Q&As)
- Resident mood interview (PHQ-9©) video tutorial
- Health conditions: Coding the standardized patient assessment data elements related to falls
Get in Touch
For queries regarding access to the training resources or to provide feedback on the training program, providers are encouraged to submit their inquiries to the PAC Training Mailbox.
For content-related questions, providers are directed to the SNF QRP Help Desk, ensuring SNF providers receive prompt assistance and support throughout the training process.
By offering this comprehensive virtual training program, the CMS aims to empower SNF providers with the knowledge and skills to navigate the updated reporting guidelines successfully.
The CMS hopes that skilled nursing facilities nationwide will enhance their reporting consistency and compliance, ultimately improving the quality of care for patients and residents.
