CMS Releases Memorandum On Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Discharge Assessments that Have Not Been Completed and/or Submitted

On August 23, 2013, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a memorandum to state survey agency directors about MDS 3.0 discharge assessments that have not been completed and/or submitted. The memo is intended to help surveyors understand both (a) what nursing homes should do to address inactive residents remaining on their resident roster due to incomplete and/or unsubmitted discharge assessments and (b) how nursing homes can ensure compliance with discharge assessment requirements. CMS is providing this information in order to promote nursing home completion of discharge assessments for inactive residents by September 30, 2013. Beginning October 1, 2013, MDS assessments older than 3 years will no longer be accepted. To view the entire memorandum from CMS, click