RN MDS Director

Turenne & Associates•Montgomery, AL

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The PDPM Coordinator/MDS Director in a skilled nursing facility oversees and coordinates the Minimum Data Set (MDS) process, ensuring assessments are accurate, complete, and timely. The role also manages Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) processes to support appropriate reimbursement and the facility’s financial goals. The director works with the interdisciplinary team to review resident records and needs, complete assessments and documentation, develop and maintain individualized care plans, and support quality assurance and regulatory compliance. The role analyzes assessment and reimbursement data, reports findings to management, and educates staff on MDS requirements, coding, documentation, and relevant regulatory changes. Work takes place in office areas and throughout nursing service areas, including nurses’ stations and resident rooms. The position involves frequent interruptions and interaction with residents, families, personnel, visitors, government representatives, and healthcare professionals. Work beyond normal hours, weekends, holidays, and emergency call-backs may be necessary. The position may involve exposure to infectious diseases and waste, hazardous chemicals, dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, odors, and potential injury hazards.

Requirements

Registered Nurse (RN) required.
Must possess and maintain any active, unencumbered certifications, degrees, or licenses required by the position and applicable state.
Demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age-related needs of residents served.
Ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant.
Ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies, and the general public.
Ability to communicate information concerning a resident’s condition.
Ability to read, speak, and write English understandably.
Ability to function independently and work effectively with residents, personnel, and support agencies.
Ability to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, or hostile people.
Ability to move intermittently throughout the workday and meet the stated physical requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others in the workplace.
In-depth knowledge of the MDS assessment process, coding guidelines, and federal regulations related to MDS and reimbursement, including PDPM.
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail in assessing, coding, and documenting resident information.
Proficiency with computer software and applications for data management and reporting.
Ability to collaborate effectively with an interdisciplinary team and communicate complex information to staff.
Strong organizational and time-management skills to meet assessment and reporting deadlines.
Knowledge of quality assurance and performance improvement principles.
Ability to adapt to changes in MDS and reimbursement regulations and guidelines.
Ability to work beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary, and to be subject to emergency call-back.
Meet facility general health requirements, including medical and physical examination if required by the position.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in MDS coordination.
Familiarity with MDS software systems.
Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and healthcare technology.
Strong understanding of the PDPM payment model and its impact on reimbursement in a skilled nursing facility.

Responsibilities

Oversee the MDS process and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
Coordinate initial, significant-change, quarterly, and annual MDS assessments with the interdisciplinary team.
Stay current on PDPM guidelines and collaborate with the team to support accurate coding and documentation.
Review medical records, observe residents, and interview residents and families to gather information for assessments.
Complete MDS assessments and other required documentation accurately and within designated timeframes.
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to develop individualized care plans and ensure they are reviewed, updated, and implemented.
Audit MDS assessments and documentation for accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance; identify improvement areas and provide staff education as needed.
Work with nursing staff, therapists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to gather and share information about residents’ conditions and care needs.
Analyze assessments, coding, and documentation to identify opportunities to optimize PDPM reimbursement; collaborate with the financial team on reimbursement trends and issues.
Train staff on MDS requirements, coding guidelines, and PDPM documentation practices, and communicate relevant regulatory changes.
Monitor compliance with federal and state requirements for MDS assessments, documentation, and reimbursement, and update processes as needed.
Collect and analyze MDS, reimbursement, and resident-outcome data; prepare reports and communicate findings and improvement strategies to management.
Maintain liaison with residents, families, and support departments to plan for residents’ needs.
Communicate with medical staff, nursing personnel, and other department directors.
Attend and participate in continuing education programs and appropriate community or civic health projects.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Meet the physical and sensory requirements of the role, including moving intermittently and lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling at least 50 pounds as described in the posting; assist with resident evacuation when necessary.