MDS Coordinator

JOB TITLE: MDS Coordinator DEPARTMENT: Nursing REPORTS TO: Administrator DIRECT REPORTS: None FLSA STATUS: Hourly/Non-Exempt DATE: 09/03/26 JOB SUMMARY The MDS Coordinator is responsible for the accurate and timely completion of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments for all residents in accordance with federal and state regulations. This role involves coordinating the comprehensive care planning process, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and optimizing reimbursement through accurate documentation and coding. JOB QUALIFICATIONS - Associates or Bachelors degree in Nursing (ADN or BSN) or a related healthcare field. - Valid state licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN). - Minimum of 5 years of experience in a skilled nursing facility, with a strong background in MDS coordination and care planning, highly preferred. - In-depth knowledge of MDS 3.0 guidelines and regulations. - Strong assessment and analytical skills. - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. - Proficiency in electronic health records (EHR) and MDS software. - Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time-management abilities. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES MDS Assessment Management - Oversee and manage the entire MDS assessment process, ensuring timely and accurate completion of all MDS assessments (initial, quarterly, annual, and significant change). - Coordinate with interdisciplinary team members to gather necessary information for MDS - assessments. - Ensure that assessments are completed in compliance with federal and state regulations, as well as facility policies. - Performs strategic scheduling considering Quality Measures Data and optimal review through - ARD section for optimal placement. - Recognize alteration from pervious baseline condition to capture significant change in resident condition per regulations to ensure that assessments and care plans are repeated as needed to accurately reflect the residents abilities, preferences and goals. Care Planning - Develop comprehensive care plans based on MDS assessment data in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team. - Monitor the implementation of care plans and ensure they are updated as needed to reflect residents changing needs and conditions. - Lead care plan meetings with residents, families, and the interdisciplinary team to discuss assessment findings and care plans. Documentation and Compliance - Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of all MDS assessments, care plans, and related activities. - Delegates responsibility for completing assessment sections to staff with clinical knowledge about the resident, such as social work, activities and dietary personnel. Interviewing relevant staff and analyzing supporting documentation to complete coding for the MDS. - Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, including timely submission of MDS assessments to the appropriate state and federal databases. - Ensure physician certifications are completed, signed and dated properly. - Participate in facility audits, surveys, and quality improvement initiatives to ensure ongoing compliance and improve care quality. Training and Education - Provide training and education to facility staff on MDS processes, documentation requirements, and regulatory changes to help ensure care delivery is accurately coded. - Keep abreast of updates and changes in MDS regulations and ensure the facility remains compliant. - Serve as a resource for staff regarding MDS-related questions and issues. Quality Improvement - Analyze MDS data to identify trends, areas for improvement, and opportunities for enhancing resident care. - Collaborate with the quality improvement team to develop and implement strategies for improving care quality and outcomes. - Participate in quality assurance meetings nd contribute to the development of facility policies and procedures. Reimbursement Optimization - Ensure accurate coding of MDS assessments to optimize reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid. - Collaborate with billing and finance departments to ensure alignment between clinical documentation and billing practices. - Monitor reimbursement trends and provide recommendations to enhance financial performance. - Other duties as assigned. ### Requirements OTHER REQUIREMENTS Participates in (or conducts) company-sponsored training to safeguard against improper use and disclosure of resident's protected health information. Monitors and ensures compliance with company policies, procedures and state and federal law. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND ENVIRONMENT Employee is occasionally exposed to blood or other body fluids, fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. In compliance with applicable law, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Standing - Occasionally Sitting - Frequently Walking - Occasionally Use Hands/Fingers to handle or feel - Frequently Climbing or Balance - Occasionally Stoop, Kneel, Crouch, or Crawl - Occasionally Talk/Hear - Frequently See - Frequently Taste/Smell - Occasionally Reaching/Pulling/Pushing - Occasionally Carry Weight/Lift - Occasionally Benefits: 401(k) Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off