Position SummaryThe MDS Director is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) process in accordance with federal and state regulations, including CMS guidelines and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) requirements. This position ensures accurate, timely completion and submission of Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments, Care Area Assessments (CAAs), and individualized person-centered care plans. The MDS Director drives appropriate reimbursement (Medicare, Medicaid, and managed care), supports quality measures (QMs), and collaborates with the interdisciplinary team (IDT) to optimize resident outcomes and facility compliance.
Key Responsibilities- RAI/MDS Process Leadership: Coordinate and oversee the completion of all MDS assessments (admission, quarterly, annual, significant change, discharge, etc.), CAAs, care plans, and related documentation per CMS RAI Manual, federal, and state timelines. Ensure accuracy of coding, RUG/PDPM classification, and submission to the CMS database.
- Reimbursement & Compliance: Maximize appropriate reimbursement by ensuring precise MDS coding, tracking Medicare/Medicaid eligibility, and supporting consolidated billing requirements. Conduct triple-check processes, monitor for billing exclusions (e.g., certain chemotherapies, radiation, dialysis), and prepare for audits/surveys.
- Care Planning & IDT Collaboration: Facilitate interdisciplinary care plan meetings, resident interviews, and care conferences. Work closely with nursing, therapy (PT/OT/ST), social services, dietary, activities, and physicians to develop and update person-centered care plans.
- Quality Improvement: Monitor Quality Measures (QMs), Five-Star ratings, and other performance indicators. Participate in quality assurance/performance improvement (QAPI) activities, root cause analyses, and plans of correction.
- Staff Education & Oversight: Provide training to clinical staff on MDS documentation, accurate coding (ICD-10), GG functional scoring, and regulatory requirements. May supervise MDS staff or act as a resource to the Director of Nursing (DON).
- Admissions, Discharges & Transitions: Screen admissions for appropriate placement and MDS scheduling. Complete discharge tracking and ensure smooth care transitions.
- Regulatory & Reporting: Maintain compliance with all federal (CMS), state (MDH), and facility policies. Prepare for surveys, respond to K-tags, and submit required reports. Assist with grievance investigations, falls tracking, and other clinical documentation as needed.
- Additional Duties: Track assessment schedules, manage electronic health record (EHR) MDS modules, support census management, and participate in facility leadership meetings. May include some floor RN duties depending on facility needs.
QualificationsEducation & Licensure:
- Current, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in Minnesota (preferred) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with advanced experience.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
- MDS certification (RAC-CT or equivalent) strongly preferred or required within 6 months of hire.
Experience:
- Minimum 2-3 years of clinical nursing experience in long-term care/SNF setting.
- 1+ years of MDS/RAI experience required.
- Strong knowledge of Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement, PDPM, Minnesota-specific regulations, and SNF consolidated billing.
Skills & Competencies:
- Excellent organizational, time management, and prioritization skills.
- Strong attention to detail with superior documentation and critical thinking abilities.
- Effective communicator and educator; able to lead IDT collaboration and staff training.
- Proficiency in EHR/MDS software systems and Microsoft Office.
- Commitment to person-centered care, resident rights, and regulatory compliance.
Reporting Structure- Reports to: Director of Nursing (DON) or Administrator.
