The California Department of Health has issued a new All Facilities Letter (AFL) updating the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Section S form for nursing facilities, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, and swing bed hospitals. Effective October 1, 2017, the updated form reflects changes on the California Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (CA POLST) form dated January 1, 2016. The CA POLST remains an option for residents to designate end-of-life choices with their healthcare provider. Nursing facilities submitting MDS 3.0 must obtain the updated software specification for California Section S from the Quality Improvement and Evaluation System Technical Support Office (QTSO) website. MDS Section S completion is required on MDS comprehensive assessments, quarterly assessments, discharge assessments, and tracking records. Facilities are not required to complete Section S on Medicare Part A Prospective Payment System (PPS) assessments. For additional questions, facilities should contact the MDS/OASIS Help Desk.

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