As part of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency (PHE) response, CMS waived the MDS timeframe requirements for Title 42 CFR section 483.20 for assessments to allow providers flexibility in completing and transmitting assessments. This action was intended to allow facilities to prioritize infection control efforts in response to the PHE. The majority of facilities have been completing and transmitting assessments timely; therefore, CMS believes SNFs should have developed practices for completing these assessments, which is critical for resident's care planning.
As a result, CMS ended the emergency blanket waiver for Title 42 CFR section 483.20, effective May 10, 2021.
Please distribute this AFL to your facility's MDS Coordinators, Directors of Nursing, and Facility Administrators.
If you have any questions about this AFL, please contact Susana Belda, RN, California Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI/MDS) Educational Coordinator, at MDSOASIS@cdph.ca.gov or 916-324-2362.
Sincerely,
Original signed by Cassie Dunham
Cassie Dunham
Acting Deputy Director
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