Job Title: MDS Coordinator
Department: Nursing / Senior Living
Reports To: Director of Nursing
Position Summary:
The MDS Coordinator is responsible for managing and overseeing the completion of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) process in compliance with state and federal regulations. This role ensures accurate assessments of residents' clinical needs and services, which directly influence reimbursement and care planning. The MDS Coordinator works closely with the interdisciplinary team to deliver high-quality care, with a focus on long-term care, senior living, assisted living, and memory care settings.
Key Responsibilities:
- MDS Assessments: Manage the completion of MDS assessments for residents in compliance with regulatory timelines, ensuring accuracy and adherence to guidelines.
- Care Plan Development: Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans based on MDS data that address the unique clinical needs of each resident.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations related to MDS assessments, including CMS guidelines, OBRA regulations, and Medicare/Medicaid requirements.
- Resident Assessments: Conduct comprehensive assessments of residents' health and functional status, identifying any changes in condition that may impact their care plan.
- Data Accuracy: Review and validate MDS data to ensure accuracy and completeness, working closely with the nursing staff to capture all necessary clinical information.
- Quality Assurance: Participate in quality assurance and performance improvement (QAPI) initiatives by using MDS data to identify trends, areas for improvement, and outcomes related to resident care.
- Education and Training: Provide ongoing training and support to nursing and clinical staff on MDS processes, updates to regulations, and best practices in care planning.
- Communication: Serve as a liaison between nursing, administration, and other departments to facilitate effective communication regarding MDS-related activities and care planning.
- Reimbursement: Collaborate with the billing department to ensure accurate reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid based on MDS data and RUG levels.
Qualifications:
- Active RN License
- Minimum of 2 years of nursing experience in long-term care, ideally in senior living, assisted living, or memory care.
- Well-versed in MDS processes with a strong understanding of federal and state regulations, Medicare, and Medicaid guidelines.
- Strong clinical assessment skills with the ability to conduct accurate and thorough resident assessments.
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills to manage complex documentation and compliance requirements.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills to work with interdisciplinary teams and ensure resident-centered care planning.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Certification as a Resident Assessment Coordinator (RAC-CT) or similar credentials.
- Experience with electronic MDS submission systems and electronic health records (EHR).
- Knowledge of RUG-IV and PDPM reimbursement models.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement options.
- Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
- Supportive and collaborative work environment focused on resident care and staff growth.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.
GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.