The California Department of Health has issued an All Facilities Letter (AFL) addressing software issues related to the Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form and the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 "Section S" Submission. The POLST form is a voluntary document used to record a patient's end-of-life care preferences. The MDS 3.0 is a federally mandated clinical assessment tool for Medicare or Medicaid certified nursing homes. The AFL provides guidance on how to complete the California "Section S" form, which is mandatory for all MDS assessments. Until further notice, every question on the California "Section S" form must have a response to avoid rejection, even if the resident does not have a POLST form. The software issue is expected to be resolved by April 1, 2011. Facilities should contact the MDS/OASIS Help Desk for additional questions or refer to previous AFLs for more information.

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