AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

March 10, 2003

ADSA: NH #2003-004
DISCHARGE TRACKING FLOW SHEET CLARIFICATION AND
Q&A'S FROM OCTOBER TRAINING

Dear Nursing Facility/Home Administrator:

This letter contains important information for facility staff responsible for completing the Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments.

In a previously distributed AASA: NH #2002-016 dated June 14, 2002, facilities were provided with a Washington Discharge tracking flow diagram, as well as directions related to submission of reentry tracking forms for Washington State. In that letter, facilities were told to submit a reentry tracking form when a resident returned to the facility after being discharged with return not anticipated (discharge code =6).

Since the issuance of that letter, we have been informed by the nursing home rates division that the reentry tracking form is no longer needed in that scenario. They have also clarified that for a resident who is discharged prior to completion of the initial assessment (code of "8" on the discharge tracking form) and later returns to the facility, a reentry tracking form is only required if the resident returns within 120 days of discharge. If a resident returns after 120 days, no reentry tracking form would be required. As a result of these clarifications, we have modified the flow chart to reflect the requirements for Washington State (refer to the enclosed diagram).

During the October 2002 MDS training seminars held around the state, participants had the opportunity to pose questions during the presentation. Some of these questions were answered at the time, while others needed more research. Enclosed are the finalized responses for your information. These questions and answers have been reviewed against the Revised Long Term Care User's Manual, December 2002 to assure consistency. Please note that these are not policy changes or CMS clarifications, but are responses to the specific questions posed during the training sessions.

If you have any questions regarding the information contained either enclosure, please contact Marjorie Ray, Washington State RAI Coordinator, at (360) 725-2487.

Sincerely,

Patricia K. Lashway, Director
Residential Care Services

Enclosures:
Discharge & Reentry Flowchart (Word Format)
Q&A - October 2002 MDS Training Seminars