MDS Coordinator RN or LPN

Job Title: MDS Coordinator (RN/LPN)

Location: Skilled Nursing

Department: Nursing

Reports to: Director of Nursing (DON)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

In keeping with our organization’s goal of improving the lives of the Residents we serve, the MDS Coordinator plays a critical role in providing leadership in the management of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) and utilization management process in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards. The MDS Coordinator will provide oversight and perform essential functions in relation to assigned facilities. This position will ensure the integrity of the MDS data submitted, ensuring it represents appropriate Clinical Reimbursement for Medicare and PDPM/PPS Case Managed residents, QRP, and Quality Measures.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Conducts and coordinates the assessment and evaluation of the resident assessment (MDS) in accordance with regulatory requirements and guidelines that govern the resident assessment, including the implementation of CAAs and Triggers.
• Conducts or coordinates the interviewing of each resident for the resident’s assessment.
• Evaluates each resident’s condition and pertinent medical data to determine any need for special assessment activities or a need to amend the admission assessment.
• Ensures that an initial resident assessment is completed within the timeframe allowed by current regulations.
• Ensures that the baseline and comprehensive care plans are completed within the timeframe allowed by current regulations.
• Ensures that quarterly and annual resident assessments and care plan reviews are made on a timely basis, within the timeframe allowed by current regulations.
• Informs all assessment team members of the requirements for accuracy and completion of the resident assessment (MDS).
• Participates in Interdisciplinary Care Plan Team and family meetings to discuss these goals and plans of actions.
• Maintains a high level of accuracy and compliance in all MDS coding and assessments. Ensures that MDS items are coded correctly and supported by the resident’s medical record and applicable RAI/MDS guidelines.
• Responsible for identifying, correcting, and preventing coding errors and for completing MDS assessments accurately and within required timeframes.
• Performs administrative duties such as completing medical forms, certifications/recertifications, reports, evaluations, studies, etc., as needed.
• Reaches out to specialists within the community to gather resources in the achievement of care plan goals as needed.
• Prepares and electronic transmit timely reports to the national Medicare and Medicaid databases.
• Ensures the accuracy of medical records and coding procedures to ensure information is entered timely and within standards.
• Develops a written plan of care (preliminary and comprehensive) for each resident that identifies the problems/needs of the resident and the goals to be accomplished for each problem/need identified.
• Reviews and revises care plans and assessments as necessary, but at a minimum, quarterly.
• Interprets the department’s policies and procedures to employees, residents, visitors and government agencies, etc.
• Reviews and develops a plan of correction for deficiencies noted during survey inspections and provides a written copy of the correction plan to the Administrator.
• Ensures that MDS notes are informative and descriptive of the services provide and of the resident’s response to the service.
• Participates in community planning related to the interests of the health campus and the services and needs of the resident and family.
• Assists with the completing the care plan portion of the resident’s discharge plan. Evaluates and implements recommendations from established committees as they pertain to the assessment and/or care plan functions of the health campus.
• Communicates and interacts effectively and tactfully with Residents, visitors, families, peers and supervisors.
• Reports all hazardous conditions, damaged equipment and supply issues to the supervisor.
• Attend staff meetings and in-services as requested. Attends in-service and education programs and attends continuing education required for maintenance of professional certification or licensure.
• Answers and respond to call lights promptly and courteously when working in resident care areas
• Reports all resident concerns to the appropriate department head.
• Perform job duties while operating in compliance with federal and state laws/regulations, and facility policies and procedures.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Perform other tasks as required.
• Ability to work with residents who may have cognitive, behavioral, or physical impairments.

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities. However, all employees are expected to lead by example, demonstrate professionalism, support their supervisors and leadership team, and contribute positively to the success of the team and organization.

Requirements

Required/Desired Qualifications

Education, Training, and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school or a certification from a State Certified Program.
• LPN or RN licensed. Meets the State requirements and regulatory code(s) for licensure or certification.
• Valid CPR certification.
• Three (3) to five (5) years’ experience working in the MDS or assessment role in a senior residential care, healthcare, senior living industry or long-term care environment.
• Exemplary computer skills that include knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite of products.

Specific skills, knowledge, and abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Other Special Requirements

• Ability to work nights and weekends to accommodate the needs of the residents.
• Tolerate potential exposure to blood, body tissues, and fluids with occasional exposure to hazardous materials and infectious diseases.?
• Manual dexterity that is required to operate modern office equipment.