Upcoming Event:
MDS 3.0 and RUGs IV
A Planned, Systematic Approach to Implementation
6 Locations + 12 Dates + 2 Webinars = 1 Great Program
Overview
The MDS is a potentially powerful tool for implementing standardized
assessment and for facilitating care management in nursing homes. Its
content has implications for residents, families, providers, researchers,
and policy makers, all of whom have expressed concerns about the
reliability, validity, and relevance of MDS 2.0.
With the development of the MDS 3.0 revision, the Centers for Medicare &
Medicaid Services (CMS) wanted to shorten the tool while maintaining the
ability to use MDS data for quality indicators, quality measures, and
payment (Resource Utilization Groups-III [RUGs-III] classification).
While it is true that facilities must continue to complete the MDS 2.0 until
September 30, 2010, WAHSA and WHCA believe it is never too early to begin
planning and training for the extensive changes coming your way with MDS
3.0. With a planned, systematic approach to training your leadership and
your interdisciplinary team on the implementation of the new MDS 3.0, you
can expect to realize improved resident input, improved accuracy and
reliability, increased efficiency, and improved staff satisfaction and
perception of clinical utility.
With the new MDS 3.0 also comes the new RUGs IV system. It is likely that RUGs levels will go from 53 groups to 66 groups. All of these changes are a result of the STRIVE studies that were completed in the last few years to update the time it takes to care for residents. As long term care providers, we requested the new time studies, and now we will have to deal with the changes that occur because of them. Above all, we will need to learn the new system so that we can still optimize our reimbursement. Optimizing reimbursement means getting paid the proper amount for the care you are providing to the resident.
After publishing the final MDS 3.0, CMS will launch a systematic approach for training and implementation. It only makes sense that savvy long term care providers pursue an equally systematic approach to training and educating all your employees for the many upcoming changes. WAHSA, WHCA, and Boyer & Associates are working together to bring you the only training your organization will need to be adequately prepared for the implementation of MDS 3.0 and RUGs IV. This planned, systematic training program features a solid, practical, easy-to-follow educational program presented twice in each of six locations. The first offering will be for leadership and will focus on what’s new in 3.0, what’s different, what you need to be aware of, what you will need to know, and why. The second round of sessions will be geared towards those responsible for completing the MDS and will focus on what’s new, what’s different, what you need to do, and how to do it. This provides the opportunity for you to allow all your employees to participate in a systematic training program at a location and on a date that is convenient for each of them. In so doing, we can ensure that your entire team will go forward with the same knowledge and can efficiently and effectively implement MDS 3.0 and RUGS IV.
The two-day training program will be offered 12 times throughout the next year. The program will be updated each step of the way, and participants will receive a comprehensive manual with all the tools (forms, guidelines, resources, and instructions) you will need to be successful with the new systems. In addition, your organization is invited to participate in two webinars within the next twelve months to provide refreshers and reviews for your employees as the implementation date approaches.
With all long term care providers working together with WAHSA, WHCA, and Boyer & Associates, we can ensure that Wisconsin’s long term care providers will be ready for MDS 3.0 by October 1, 2010.