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Now Available: Final MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual Version 1.18.11

The final Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) User’s Manual version (v)1.18.11 is now available in the Downloads section on the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Manual page. The MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual v1.18.11 will be effective beginning October 01, 2023.

This version of the MDS 3.0 RAI Manual contains substantial revisions related to the Improving Medicare Post-Acute Care Transformation Act of 2014 (IMPACT Act), which requires that standardized assessment items be collected across post-acute care (PAC) settings. Standardized data will enable cross-setting data collection, outcome comparison, exchangeability of data, and comparison of quality within and across PAC settings. Additionally, the language of the manual has been updated throughout to be gender neutral. Guidance and examples in numerous chapters and appendices have been revised for clarification and to reflect current regulations and best practices. Due to the scope of the revisions, CMS will not issue Replacement Pages for v1.18.11; those wishing to continue using a physical copy of the manual are encouraged to print the new version.

A document listing all changes from the MDS 3.0 RAI Manual v1.18.11 draft version to the final version is available for reference in the Downloads section on the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Manual page.

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Proposed Minimum Staffing Standards for LTC Facilities… What You Need to Know

Blog by: Janine Lehman, RN, RAC-CT, CLNC, Director of Legal Nurse Consulting, Proactive LTC Consulting

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the long-awaited Proposed Minimum Staffing Rule on 9/1/23 with the stated objective of seeking “to establish comprehensive nurse staffing requirements to hold nursing homes accountable for providing safe and high-quality care for the over 1.2 million residents receiving care in Medicare and Medicaid certified facilities each day”.

Here’s what you need to know…

This proposed rule consists of three core staffing proposals:

  1. Minimum nurse staff standards of 0.55 hours per resident day (HRPD) for Registered Nurses and 2.45 HPRD for Nurse Aids;
  2. A requirement to have an RN onsite 24 hours a day, seven days a week; and
  3. Enhanced facility assessment requirements.

Click here to continue reading this blog.

 

About Proactive Medical Review
HTS partners with Proactive Medical Review, a third party company who specializes in ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and promoting measurable care excellence. The team includes SNF experienced nurse, MDS, Health Facility Administrator, therapist and reimbursement specialists with experience serving in multi-site contract therapy operations, as corporate directors of quality, clinical program specialists, and Compliance Officers. Proactive is uniquely positioned to assist in managing the many changes and challenges facing providers partnered with HTS. Learn more about our commitment to compliance here.

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Physical Therapy Helps Adults Move & Feel Better

As people grow older, the desire to move comfortably and live independently remains important. Physical therapy offers a specialized solution to help older adults move better, stay active, and enjoy a fulfilling life.

 

Here Are Some Ways Physical Therapy Can Help

Enhance Mobility: The core of physical therapy lies in maximizing movement and functionality to help adults move around safely and perform everyday tasks with ease.

Restore Balance: Improved balance and coordination reduces the risk of falls and allows adults to move safely at home and in their communities.

Alleviate Pain: Many conditions can lead to discomfort and pain. Physical therapists provide techniques to help ease pain and enhance quality of life.

Improve Joint Health: With specialized exercises, physical therapists manage joint pain and improve joint flexibility for better movement. Gentle stretching and mobilization techniques can help increase flexibility and prevent stiffness.

Increase Strength: As people age, maintaining muscle strength becomes vital for performing daily activities independently. Also, strong muscles are essential for maintaining balance and stability.

Talk with your doctor to find out how physical therapy could benefit you!

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Healthy Aging for Vibrant Living

Aging is a natural and inevitable part of life, and with the right mindset and lifestyle choices, it can be a time of continued vitality, joy, and fulfillment. Healthy aging isn’t just about adding years to your life; it’s about adding life to your years. Below are a few tips to help older adults embrace healthy aging and make the most of this exciting chapter.

 

 

Physical, occupational, and speech therapists play important roles in helping adults live vibrant, independent lives. By addressing physical limitations and functional challenges, older adults can experience improved quality of life, increased independence, enhanced well-being, and a greater sense of purpose. Talk with your doctor to see how therapy could benefit you.

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Building Strong Bones as You Age

As we age, several changes occur in our bones that can affect their structure, density, and overall health. It’s important to note that while these changes are common, they are not inevitable. Taking steps to improve and maintain bone health is essential for older adults to preserve their independence, prevent fractures, and enjoy a higher quality of life.

 

Can Therapy Help You?

Physical and Occupational therapy can help individuals improve bone health. Physical therapists prescribe specific exercises that target bone health including weight-bearing exercises, resistance training, and functional movements. Occupational therapists focus on proper body mechanics to help reduce the strain on bones and also provide assistive device training such as canes and walkers to ensure individuals can move safely and independently.

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Staying Hydrated for Better Health

Your body is made up of approximately 60% water. Water is essential for nearly every bodily function and helps regulate body temperature, lubricates joints, and aids digestion and nutrient absorption. Maintaining proper hydration is important for all ages, but is especially important for seniors.

As we age, our bodies become less efficient at regulating water and electrolyte balance. This can lead to a higher risk of dehydration. Also, older adults are more vulnerable to heat exhaustion and heat stroke due to changes in the body’s ability to regulate body temperature. Finally, as people age, the ability to sense thirst may decline. This can make seniors less aware of their body’s need for water and result in inadequate fluid intake.

How much water do you need?

The amount of water a person should drink daily can vary depending on factors such as age, sex, activity level, climate, and overall health. A common goal is to drink around 8 cups or 64 ounces of water daily for adults.

Tips to Increase Your Water Intake:

By making small changes to your daily routine, you can increase your water intake and stay hydrated.

  • Drink water with each meal
  • Try calorie-free, fruit-flavored water
  • Carry a reusable water bottle with you all the time
  • Add flavor to water to make it tastier
  • Set reminders on your phone to drink water
  • Eat more water-rich foods: lettuce, celery, and watermelon

Physical and occupational therapists can help promote hydration and overall good health through functional training, environmental modifications, education, and support. Talk with your doctor about the benefits of physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

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May Is National Better Hearing & Speech Month

Speech-Language Pathologists, also known as SLPs, provide evaluation and treatment for individuals that might be experiencing trouble with speech, language, cognitive function, and/or swallowing disorders.

Patients who suffer from a progressive, degenerative neurological disease such as Dementia or Parkinson’s Disease, may require an SLP screen or evaluation to assure the maximum quality of life and independence are achieved. SLPs are able to alter the environment, provide education to family and staff, and develop cueing strategies to facilitate an optimal setting in which the patient can comfortably complete their daily tasks and enjoy leisure activities.

How Can a Speech-Language Pathologist Help?

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms below, talk with your doctor about the benefits of therapy with a Speech-Language Pathologist.

  • Difficulty swallowing (coughing, choking, excessive throat clearing)
  • Odynophagia (painful swallowing)
  • Trouble finding words to communicate your wants and needs
  • Difficulty understanding and/or expressing your thoughts
  • Memory problems or difficulty focusing
  • Soft, breathy voice making it difficult for people to hear and understand what you are saying
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April is National Occupational Therapy Month

Occupational Therapists help people of all ages to live more independent and productive lives.

 

How Can An Occupational Therapist Help?

Occupational therapists can help aging adults remain active and live well despite limitations. Some of the main benefits of participating in occupational therapy for older adults include:

  • Improved Quality of Life
  • Restored Function
  • Improved Activities of Daily Living
  • Reduced Risk for Falls
  • Improved Self-Confidence & Happiness
  • Increased Awareness of Safety Precautions in the Home
  • Continued Independence
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Outpatient Therapy for Healthy Aging

Outpatient physical, occupational, and speech therapists work together to help keep older adults living independently in their home as long as possible.  Our licensed, highly skilled therapists are specialists in treating a wide range of conditions in older adults including, but not limited to:

    • Arthritis
    • Back, Shoulder, and Neck Pain
    • Facial & Jaw Pain
    • Cognitive Decline
    • Balance Disorders
    • Inner Ear Problems
    • Hand Injuries & Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
    • Knee & Leg Injuries or Pain
    • Neurological Disorders
    • Speech Disorders
    • Swallowing Disorders
    • Sports-related Injuries
    • Work-related Injuries

 

Could I Benefit from Outpatient Therapy? 

Is pain affecting the daily activities in your life?

Are you having problems with your balance?

Do you feel that you’ve lost some strength?

Are you having trouble getting dressed, reaching for a sock or bathing?

Are you having problems with comprehending and/or expressing your thoughts?

Do you have trouble swallowing or choke easily?

 

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, contact your doctor to discuss the benefits of physical, occupational, and speech therapy.  Proactively addressing challenges you may be facing will help ensure you are living a healthy and happy life.

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CMS Resource: PHQ-2 to 9 Cue Card

CMS is offering a cue card to assist providers in coding the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2 to 9) as referenced in the coding guidance for D0150. This resource is intended to be utilized during the Patient Mood Interview as a supplemental communication tool that provides a visual reference to assist patient selection of symptom frequency.

The cue card is offered in two sizes which can be viewed or printed and is available in the Downloads section of the HH QRP, IRF QRP, and LTCH QRP Training pages.

Click here to download the Cue Card.

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