MDS Alert

Question: If the MDS nurse completes the entire MDS but uses data collected/documented by other disciplines to complete the mood, therapy, and certain other sections, who should sign the  ttestation statement for those sections?

Answer: The person who actually codes the section signs the attestation. That person is using documented information to make coding decisions. If the interdisciplinary team member completes  section of the MDS (that is, enters the coding), then that person signs the attestation.

Reviewing the RAI User's Manual directions for AA9 can help: AA9. Signatures of Persons Completing These Items "Coding: All staff responsible for completing any part of the MDS, MPAF, and/or tracking forms must enter their signatures, titles, sections they completed, and the date they completed those sections. Read the Attestation Statement carefully. You are certifying that  he information you entered on the MDS, MPAF, and/or tracking form is correct. Penalties may be applied for submitting false information."

As for what date to use when signing the attestation: Use the date upon which the sections were completed on the MDS. That issue comes up now related to electronic MDS forms where a person completes his or her section using the electronic version. When signing the attestation on the printed form a few days later, the person should use the date that he or she actually completed that section on the MDS. Source: Ronald A. Orth, RN, NHA, CPC, RAC-MT President Clinical Reimbursement Solutions Milwaukee, Wis.