MDS 3.0 Update to be Released in December

VHCA (11/30/2007)

AHCA recently met with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to discuss issues with the Minimum Data Set (MDS) version 3.0 and how this tool is being coordinated with other CMS programs impacting or using the MDS data.

Based on an AHCA analysis, the proposed changes to the new MDS will impact other CMS programs and initiatives related to clinical quality and measurement, survey interpretive guidance, value-based purchasing initiative (P4P), management tools used by fiscal intermediaries, data measurement/ management/repositories, public data sources, and others.

AHCA learned that CMS will be posting the final draft of MDS version 3.0 on the CMS website on December 31, 2007. CMS will hold an Open Door call on January 24, 2008 to discuss the final MDS draft and tool changes. No formal public release with comment period is being planned.

Providers are urged to review the new tool as soon as it becomes available and attend the January Open Door call.