Connecticut MDS Focused Survey Information from Murtha Cullina, LLP

From DPH quarterly meeting, as reported by Murtha Cullina, LLP to their clients in a memo dated July 1, 2015:

Barbara Cass disclosed there would be approximately 6 MDS Focused Surveys for 2% to 2 1/2% per year.in a quarterly  meeting at DPH.

Barbara Cass, Lori Griffin, Karen Gworek and Connie Green have been trained to perform the MDS focused surveys.  They must be completed by Sep 30, 2015.

The national association shared the following additional information: (1) a major focus of the survey is compliance with F356 - §483.30(e) - Nurse staffing information; (2) noncompliance results in automatic CMPs and if CMP meets the threshold, loss of Nurse Aide Training Program; (3) CMS is identifying the centers to receive this survey; (4) CMS is adamant that no information about training, surveyor focus, etc., may be shared with either individual centers or with associations; and (5) some state affiliates have heard that CMS has indicated the state agencies will receive no additional funds for completing these focused surveys.

Last week, a facility underwent the first MDS focus survey in Connecticut. That provider shared the following details about the survey. The surveyors requested the following:
1. a tour of the building and a floor plan;
2. MDS policies and procedures as well as the staffing policy;
3. admission/discharges for the last 90 days (with admissions broken down
by long-term and short-term);
4. A&Is for all falls with injuries;
5. the facility worksheet form that was sent via blast fax within 1 hour;
6. interviews with staff focusing on the number of staff on the floor and
resident to staff ratio.
The provider reported that the survey team focused on skin issues. They reviewed 10
records and were in the building for two days. The facility expects one MDS related tag

and two non-MDS tags.