Regional MDS

A **Regional MDS Consultant** for skilled nursing facilities typically plays a critical role in ensuring the accuracy, compliance, and optimization of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) process, which is essential for resident assessments and reimbursement in long-term care facilities. Here's a general job description:

**Job Summary**:
The Regional MDS Consultant is responsible for overseeing the MDS process across multiple skilled nursing facilities within a designated region. The consultant provides expert guidance on MDS assessments, ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, trains and supports facility staff, and assists in optimizing reimbursement through accurate and timely submissions. This position involves extensive travel and close collaboration with facility leaders and clinical teams to maintain the highest level of care quality and regulatory compliance.

**Key Responsibilities**:

1. **MDS Process Oversight**:

• Ensure all facilities adhere to established MDS procedures and protocols, including accurate resident assessments and timely submissions.
• Monitor compliance with the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) and Minimum Data Set (MDS) guidelines.

2. **Compliance & Regulation**:

• Stay up-to-date with federal, state, and local regulations affecting MDS and skilled nursing reimbursement.
• Perform regular audits to ensure accuracy and compliance, providing corrective action plans as needed.
• Assist facilities during survey processes to address MDS-related deficiencies.

3. **Training & Education**:

• Provide ongoing training and mentorship to facility MDS coordinators and interdisciplinary teams on MDS processes, coding, and documentation.
• Conduct in-service training on regulatory updates, RAI guidelines, and best practices for MDS management.

4. **Reimbursement & Optimization**:

• Review MDS assessments for accuracy to optimize Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements, including accurate documentation of RUG (Resource Utilization Group) levels.
• Identify areas for improvement and opportunities to enhance financial performance through accurate data reporting.

5. **Resident Care Quality**:

• Collaborate with clinical teams to ensure that resident care plans are individualized and based on comprehensive MDS assessments.
• Work to align MDS assessments with the quality care initiatives of the organization.

6. **Data Analysis & Reporting**:

• Analyze MDS-related data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Prepare and submit reports to facility administrators and corporate leadership as required.

7. **Collaboration**:

• Work closely with facility administrators, Directors of Nursing, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure a cohesive approach to MDS management.
• Serve as a resource for troubleshooting complex MDS-related issues at the facility level.

**Qualifications**:

• **Education**: Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) required. Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
• **Experience**: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in MDS coordination within a skilled nursing setting, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or consulting role. Experience with Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement processes is essential.
• **Certifications**:
• RAC-CT (Resident Assessment Coordinator-Certified) certification required.
• RAC-CTA (Advanced Certification) preferred.

• **Skills**:
• Expertise in MDS, RAI, and PDPM (Patient-Driven Payment Model).
• Strong knowledge of federal and state regulations affecting skilled nursing facilities.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Ability to analyze data and provide actionable recommendations.
• Proficient in MDS software and electronic health record (EHR) systems.

**Performance Metrics**:

• Accuracy and timeliness of MDS submissions across assigned facilities.
• Improvement in reimbursement levels through optimized MDS processes.
• Compliance with state and federal MDS regulations.
• Successful audit outcomes with minimal corrective actions required.
• Facility satisfaction and reduction of deficiencies related to MDS.

Equal Opportunity Employer