MDS Assistant
General Description
Under the direction of the MDS Coordinator, the MDS Assistant is responsible for the
timely and accurate completion of the Federal and State assessment tools.
This position requires an understanding of the MDS rules and regulations as described in
the MDS User’s Manual, including item coding, RAPS, CAA’s, Care Planning,
electronic submission, scheduling, PPS including knowledge of MDS submission
process, final validation reports, and an understanding of Medicare rules and regulations
including coverage, benefit periods, certification, 30 Day rule.
Essential Duties
1. Assists in maintaining Tracking Tools for the MDS and Medicare.
2. Assists in making skilled services decisions and initiates Medicare non-coverage
letters and expedited determination notices, as directed.
3. Reviews the health records for each resident, including reviewing written notations
of significant changes affecting:
a. Level of activity
b. Eating habits
c. Physical, mental, and emotional status
4. Assists in planning and adjustment of Medicare assessment scheduling.
5. Assists in coordinating the IDT to accomplish timely completion of assignments,
Care Plans, and CAA summaries.
6. Assists and teaches, as directed, the Care Planning process to nurses and other
members of the team including ADL training.
7. Assists with completing the Medicare Daily Documentation Guide on admission.
8. Assists with studies related to improvements of nursing care, if needed.
9. Assists with gathering baseline information to identify potential and acute problems
and thoroughly and accurately completes areas of the MDS nursing admission
assessment and quarterly assessment and Medicare assessments using currently
approved format.
10. Prepares for and attends team and family Care Plan conferences in a professional,
supportive manner, as assigned.
HISTORY:
(A) 8/2012
(B) 8/2013
(C) 1/2017
11. Observes and examines the total resident focusing on body systems, skin, integrity,
weight, hydration status, and reports changes in resident condition promptly to the
Supervisor, as directed.
Standard Requirements
1. Supports the Mission, Values and Vision of the Facility.
2. Is knowledgeable of resident rights and supports an atmosphere which allows for the
privacy, dignity and well-being of all residents in a safe, secure environment.
3. Supports, cooperates with, and implements specific procedures and programs for:
OSHA and safety, including standard precautions and safe work practices, established
fire/safety/disaster plans, risk management, and security, report and/or correct unsafe
working conditions, equipment repair and maintenance needs.
4. Adheres to:
a. Confidentiality of all data, including resident, employee and operations data.
b. HIPAA regulations
c. Quality Assurance requirements and compliance with regulatory
requirements.
d. Compliance with current law and policy to provide a work environment free
from sexual harassment and illegal and discriminatory behavior.
e. Code of Conduct and Compliance Programs when performing job functions.
5. Supports and participates in common teamwork:
a. Cooperates and works together with all co-workers; plans and completes job
duties with minimal supervisory direction, including appropriate judgment.
b. Uses tactful, appropriate communications in sensitive and emotional
situations.
c. Follows up as appropriate with supervisor, co-workers or residents regarding
reported complaints, problems and concerns.
d. Promotes positive public relations with residents, family members and guests.
e. Completes requirements for in-service training, acceptable attendance,
uniform and dress codes including personal hygiene, and other work duties as
assigned.
f. Participates as assigned in the orientation of new staff and demonstrates a
positive, helpful, and enthusiastic attitude.
6. Immediately reports incidents of alleged resident abuse or neglect or alleged
violations of residents’ rights to Director of Nursing or Executive Director.
7. Knowledgeable of age specific developmental factors specific to adult and geriatric
residents (i.e. physical, cognitive and socialization factors) in planning delivery of
care.
8. Maintains current practice standards or changes by participating in educational
opportunities provided by the Facility and outside resources.
HISTORY:
(A) 8/2012
(B) 8/2013
(C) 1/2017
Other Duties
Provides hands on nursing care to residents as needed as a registered professional nurse
or licensed practical nurse, consistent with the state’s Nurse Practice Act.
Perform tasks which are supportive in nature to the essential functions of the job, but
which may be altered or redesigned depending upon individual circumstances. Performs
other work duties as assigned.
Qualifications