CMS announced significant adjustments to the Nursing Home Five-Star Quality Rating System as part of their July 2024 data release. The changes affect both staffing and quality measures outlined below.
Staffing:
- Data from Q1 2024 now utilizes PDPM case-mix indices to risk-adjust the nurse staffing measure.
- The gap period during which no work hours are reported for nurse staffing turnover increased from 60 days to 90 days. For the three staffing turnover measures, individuals who no longer work at the nursing home are defined as eligible individuals who have a period of at least 90 consecutive days in which they do not work at all.
Claims-Based Quality Measures:
- Four claims-based QM’s will now utilize Section GG of the MDS following the removal of Section G.
- CMS is updating the risk adjustment coefficients by removing Section G items from the risk adjustment model.
Please refer to the CMS Memorandum (QSO-24-14-NH) for more information regarding the updates to staffing and quality measures as well as the Five Star Users Guide 2024 – Updated 7/24/2024 with changes noted in red, italicized text.
The Point Is: Our industry continues to feel the ripple effect of the 10/1/23 MDS changes. If your team needs additional clarification or help in any way surrounding these changes and updates, the QRM team is here to help.
