Failure to Complete Quarterly MDS Assessments on Time
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that Quarterly Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments were completed within the required timeframe for 37 out of 79 residents reviewed. The Long-Term Care Facility Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) User's Manual specifies that quarterly assessments must be completed within 14 days after the Assessment Reference Date (ARD), and these assessments are due every 92 days. However, the facility did not adhere to these guidelines, resulting in late completion of assessments for numerous residents. For instance, Resident 1 had an ARD of November 2, 2024, and the assessment was due by November 15, 2024, but it was completed 10 days late on November 25, 2024. Similarly, Resident 2 had two instances of late assessments, with one being seven days late and the other six days late. This pattern of delayed assessments was consistent across multiple residents, with delays ranging from two to eleven days past the required completion date. The Registered Nurse Assessment Coordinator (RNAC) and the Director of Nursing confirmed during an interview that the quarterly MDS assessments were not completed within the required timeframe. This deficiency was noted under the regulations 28 Pa. Code 211.5(f) Clinical Records and 28 Pa. Code 211.12(d)(5) Nursing Services, indicating a failure in maintaining timely and accurate clinical records as mandated by the state regulations.
Plan Of Correction
1. A quarterly Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment was completed for all residents who were identified. The completion dates for the assessments cannot be modified. 2. The facility's Registered Nurse Assessment Coordinator, or a designee, will audit the assessment reference dates of the required next quarterly MDS assessment for the in-house residents. She will ensure that the Interdisciplinary Team staff involved in the assessment process are provided with the audit information to assure compliance with subsequent completion dates. 3. The members of the Interdisciplinary Team involved in the assessment process will be re-trained on the requirements and procedures for conducting quarterly assessments by the Regional Clinical Reimbursement Specialist or a designee. 4. The Regional Clinical Reimbursement Specialist, or a designee, will conduct audits of residents' quarterly MDS assessments to ensure compliance with F638 requirements related to completion timing twice weekly times two, weekly times two and monthly times two. 5. The audit results will be reviewed in the monthly quality assurance meetings to address any identified issues promptly.