DMAS has notified VHCA-VCAL that beginning October 1, the agency will require the completion and submission of specific item set fields associated with all OBRA nursing home comprehensive and quarterly MDS assessments. DMAS intends to use the information to evaluate the viability of the Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM) system as a potential replacement for RUGs in the future. The PDPM data collection will not affect current Medicaid reimbursement; this is for informational purposes only.

VDH has apparently communicated this memo with additional detail to providers and we expect a provider memo from DMAS on the same topic soon. We understand that the memo does not appear to be final, but we have been informed that it is. If you have questions, please contact April Payne or Steve Ford.