MDS COORDINATOR-CERTIFIED

Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center is a 444-bed hospital recognized for pairing clinical expertise with advanced medical technology to deliver exceptional care. As a Joint Commission Comprehensive Stroke Center, we provide leading-edge treatment for stroke recovery. Our facility also offers specialized services in bariatric surgery, robotic surgery, minimally invasive spine procedures, and advanced orthopedic care. Fort Sanders Regional is part of Covenant Health, East Tennessee’s largest nonprofit health system and a Becker’s “Top 150 Places to Work in Healthcare.” Covenant Health includes nine hospitals and nearly 150 service locations.

About the Role

Assesses, plans, monitors, and evaluates options and services to meet an individual’s health needs through communication and the coordination of available resources. Enhances service quality and assists in the delivery of care. Attends seminars on LTC Perspective Payment System and updates on federal and state regulations, disseminating information to staff.

Responsibilities

• Schedule the ARD’s (Assessment Reference Date) for Payment Assessments with the Rehab Director or designee daily, weekly, and as needed to accurately capture the RUG (Resource Utilization Group) category.
• Provide a schedule of ARD’s and Assessment types weekly and as needed to the IDT to facilitate timely completion of MDS sections and CAA’s (Care Area Assessments) by each discipline.
• Use the RAI Manual as a resource during the assessment coding process.
• Coordinate the completion of MDS sections according to facility assignments and communicate with IDT members regarding timeliness of completion; report any issues to the Administrator immediately.
• Facilitate completion of assessments and corresponding due dates for Z0400A-L, Z0500B, V0200B2, and V0200C2 according to the RAI Manual (Chapter 2, Section 2.6).
• Ensure transmission of Admission and Discharge Assessment and PPS within 14 days of the completion date in Z0500B (RAI Manual Chapter 5, Section 5.2).
• Ensure transmission of Comprehensive assessments within 14 days of the Care Plan Completion Date (V0200C2).
• Confirm transmission files and review printed initial and final validation reports; correct fatal errors immediately and retransmit until an accepted validation report is received.
• Address non-fatal errors using the Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (QIES) Assessment Submission and Processing (ASAP) System MDS 3.0 Provider User's Guide (RAI Manual Chapter 5, Section 5.5).
• Maintain validation reports in a transmittal notebook organized by month.
• Facilitate the completion and updating of resident care plans within the MDS Department and IDT to reflect the resident’s most current needs.
• Identify residents in need of a Significant Change in Status Assessment based on criteria in the RAI Manual (Chapter 2, Section 2.6).
• Participate in interdisciplinary care plan team meetings weekly and as needed.
• Participate in facility staff education related to the RAI process and coordinate accurate documentation from direct care staff.
• Notify the Director of Nursing (DON) and/or Administrator of risk areas coded on the MDS.
• Compile data reports based on MDS data as requested by the Administrator or DON.
• Utilize the facility’s software program and computer system to comply with federal requirements for completion and encoding.
• Serve as a clinical and regulatory resource for all staff.
• Participate in mock surveys in preparation for state and federal surveys.
• Review medical records regularly for adherence to care plans; investigate variances and adjust plans based on assessments.
• Verify billing office information to ensure consistent billing of RUG categories.
• Track RUG days monthly and report reimbursement status to Administration.
• Function as Infection Control Nurse for TCU: collect, monitor, and disseminate data relating to infection control indicators; collaborate with hospital Infection Control contact on unit-specific and hospital-wide issues; provide education on infection control processes and regulations.
• Assist with orientation of new hires regarding HCFA regulations of LTC/PPS.
• Follow policies, procedures, and safety standards; complete required education assignments annually; work toward achieving goals and objectives; participate in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
• Assist in maintaining a safe environment for all residents, including reporting equipment issues, suspicion of resident abuse, mistreatment, neglect, or criminal activities.
• Complete nursing duties when necessary as specified in nursing policies.

Requirements

• Minimum of two (2) to five (5) years of clinical practice.
• Excellent communication, leadership, problem-solving, and priority-setting skills.
• Ability to accept and incorporate feedback.

Qualifications

• Current RN license.
• RAC-C (Resident Assessment Coordinator-Credentialed) certification through AANAC required within 90 days of hire.

Benefits

Covenant Health offers a comprehensive benefits package, including tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, certification bonuses, and leadership development programs.