Navigating the Latest CMS Surveyor Guidance Updates: Mental Health Disorders

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New Surveyor Guidance is in effect and indicates that mental health disorders in nursing home facilities need to be diagnosed by a medical practitioner. Evidence-based criteria and professional standards, such as the current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), must be used and supported by documentation in the resident’s medical record. Diagnoses such as Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder require supporting documentation such as a DSM assessment, like all other mental…

Understanding Minimum Data Set (MDS) Validation

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The Minimum Data Set (MDS) is a federally mandated assessment used in Medicare or Medicaid-certified nursing homes to evaluate a resident’s functional abilities and healthcare needs. The MDS incorporates standardized elements, coding categories, and vital health indicators. Validating the MDS is an essential step for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) that is sometimes bypassed. The validation process ensures the accuracy of the data submitted to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The MDS coordinator,…

Understanding the Benefits of Performing a Mock Survey

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Whether your organization relies on an in-house team or enlists the help of an outside consultant, conducting a mock survey is an essential strategy to assess your organization’s current performance against the standards set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), improving your chances of securing a higher star rating. In 2025, healthcare providers are still navigating the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside new challenges like workforce instability, ongoing staffing shortages,…