With our industry’s focus on the COVID-19 public health emergency, this year’s Final Rule addresses essential policies only, while incorporating some impactful PDPM updates. There is a strong theme emphasizing a continued commitment to keeping providers connected through electronic means to promote the exchange and reuse of patient assessment data. The MDS is at the top of that list with discharge information being critical to ensure necessary medical information is shared and transferred among post hospital settings. The MDS will not have the anticipated major over haul until 2 years from the end of the Public Health Emergency, likely October 2022. This is good news for interdisciplinary teams that have been adjusting to many related changes and communication methods. Accuracy and collaboration remain critical for the current environment as well as future changes.
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