CMS Clarifies OBRA Discharge Assessment Requirements

When a resident leaves a skilled nursing facility, determining whether an OBRA Discharge assessment is required can sometimes be confusing, particularly when the resident is sent to the emergency department, placed in observation or leaves the facility temporarily.

CMS has addressed some of that confusion with a new OBRA Discharge Assessment Determination Fact Sheet.

The one-page resource provides clarification related to Chapter 2 of the MDS 3.0 RAI User's Manual and addresses common questions surrounding emergency department visits, observation stays and leaves of absence.

Why does this matter?

The OBRA Discharge assessment is not simply a box to check when a resident leaves the building.

Understanding whether an assessment is required, and which type of discharge applies, helps ensure the MDS record accurately reflects the resident's status and the circumstances surrounding the discharge.

The determination can become less straightforward when a resident leaves the facility but is expected to return.

That is why CMS's new fact sheet is worth reviewing with the team responsible for MDS scheduling and completion.

A good time for a refresher

With MDS requirements continuing to evolve, facilities should make sure their MDS teams are working from the most current CMS guidance rather than relying solely on historical practices.

The new fact sheet is brief, making it an easy resource to review with RNACs and other team members involved in the assessment process.