CMS continues to identify system problems that result in errors in the RUG-III and RUG-IV codes printed on facility Final Validation Reports.  Because accurate RUG data is required for billing and other facility operations, the following actions are being taken by CMS to correct the MDS 3.0 Assessment Submission and Processing (ASAP) System:

Submission and Confirmation

• The transmission system remains in operation.  All providers can continue to submit MDS 3.0 records.
• After each submission, you will receive confirmation that the MDS 3.0 file has been received.  The confirmation page includes a submission ID and the date and time of the transmission.  You can print the confirmation and retain it for your records.

File Editing and Final Validation Report Generation Stopped

• The editing of the submission files and generation of the Final Validation Reports has been temporarily stopped pending final testing of the reprogrammed editing and validation system.

MDS 3.0 Files Submitted Since October 1, 2010

• All MDS 3.0 files submitted since October 1, 2010 will be edited.  Revised Final Validation Reports will be available in your CASPER shared folder.
  Note:  The incorrect RUG information may have appeared on any previous Final Validation Report.

Final Validation Reports Release

• The release of all Final Validation Reports, including the revised reports for earlier submissions, is expected to occur by 9:00 PM EDT October 22, 2010.
• If you have already submitted MDS 3.0 data and received a Final Validation Report, you will need to check your CASPER shared folder for the revised report for each MDS 3.0 file submitted.  Please disregard the old Final Validation Reports and use the revised reports.
• Please use the revised Final Validation Reports to verify your RUG III and RUG IV values to ensure your submitted claim for payment is correct.

Late Submissions

• Providers receive only warning messages on validation reports for records submitted late.  Since late submission is determined by the submission time stamp, delayed editing and validation processing does not affect whether the submission is late.
• The CMS Survey and Certification group has been notified that some MDS 3.0 assessments may be delayed due to this systems problem.  The Survey and Certification staff is expected to issue written policy instructions shortly.

jRAVEN

• Providers using jRAVEN need to check the CMS website for an updated jRAVEN, which will be available soon.
• Non-jRAVEN users need to check with their vendor for software updates that address the issues identified.

Providers are strongly recommended to continue to check for software updates on a regular basis.

This current identified problem has not affected payment because providers have not yet billed for October.  Because of the delay, CMS has stated that they will not imposing penalties on nursing homes that have been late in submitting their MDS records.

Care Providers of Minnesota will continue to monitor this issue and inform our members regarding the status of the CMS MDS submission and validation system.

Doug Beardsley
952.851.2489
dbeardsl@careproviders.org

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