Some Nursing Homes Skipping Resident Interview According to CMS

A key provision of MDS 3.0 is the resident interview. And some nursing homes are cutting corners according to CMS.

Skilled nursing operators must complete resident interviews for MDS 3.0 evaluations, a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services official reminded providers on a recent national conference call. Appendix D of the MDS 3.0 Manual, "Interviewing to Increase Resident Voice in MDS Assessments," contains approaches to use to make interviews simple and more effective.

"CMS has received reports from some state surveyors that some facilities are not completing interviews when residents are capable. Providers will be cited when such a practice is verified," CMS's Thomas E. Dudley, MS, RN, warned.

MDS 3.0 added resident interviewing for the first time, and has four sections that tackle cognitive patterns, mood, routine and activities and pain.

While CMS has said the interviews allows residents to be involved in decision-making, some providers have complained that the interviews take too long and can be upsetting to residents. I say that the resident voice has to be heard in order to truly create a great experience and achieve the culture change sorely needed in long-term care. My wife has a saying for this - suck it up cupcake.

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