Late Submission of MDS Assessments to CMS
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to transmit the Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) system within the required timeframe for two of four sampled residents. For one resident with diagnoses including Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, and anemia, the MDS assessment indicated severe cognitive impairment and was submitted more than 14 days after the completion date. The resident's history and physical also documented an inability to understand and make medical decisions. For another resident with hemiplegia, sepsis, and pneumonia, the MDS assessment showed severe cognitive impairment and limitations in movement, and was also submitted late, more than 14 days after the assessment completion date. The Minimum Data Set Coordinator confirmed during an interview that the facility is required to submit MDS assessments within 14 days of completion, and acknowledged that the assessments for these residents were submitted late. Review of the facility's policy and procedures indicated that the timing and submission of assessments should follow the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) User's Manual, which specifies the 14-day submission requirement.