AHCA/NCAL: Focus MDS Update of the Week

Since their release on April 3, 2023, the final MDS Item Sets version 1.18.11v4 and the draft MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual version 1.18.11 were updated. For the next few weeks, AHCA will be focusing on a different section to highlight changes and what members need to know.

Changes to Section N

The MDS 3.0 version v1.8.11v4 final item sets were updated on July 7, 2023, draft RAI guidance was released on April 3, 2023, and substantial changes were made to several sections. Changes to section N (Medications) include:

• The addition of two new classes of medications:
  • Antiplatelet
  • Hypoglycemic
• The coding change from counting the total number of days the resident received the medication to two new columns:
  • Is taking
  • Indication noted

AHCA has created an MDS Section N resource document to help providers breakdown the changes. The information outlines key changes to MDS Section N, Coding Instructions/RAI Guidelines for each item, and Actions to Consider for implementation across your facility.

It is important to develop a training plan for your facility to ensure all staff impacted by the changes are trained in them.

Additional Resources:

• AHCA Education: MDS Updates Effective 10/1/2023
• Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Training
• SNF Understanding Changes to the MDS 3.0 RAI Manual v1.18.11 Training Webinar
• SNF Section N: Medications
• 2023 SNF Guidance Training Program

Please email regulatory@ahca.org with any questions.