![]() ![]() Compared to previous reports, this new completion time seems low. The 2021 AAPACN work study report showed that it takes NACs, on average, 187 minutes to complete a comprehensive assessment. This part of the process is best completed by the NAC, or in collaboration with the NAC, to determine the average amount of time it takes them to complete this assessment. ![]() Identify how many hours are needed to complete the comprehensive assessment for each resident, which includes the MDS, CAAs, and developing or revising the care plan.So, while right now may not be the right time to reassess priorities for all facilities, when that time comes, here are five tips to reassess how many hours are necessary to successfully work in the NAC position: While some facilities are beginning to recover and finally adjusting into a new normal, other facilities are still in crisis mode, as both the pandemic and staff shortages continue to wreak havoc in many areas. However, when the time is right, leadership in skilled nursing facilities should reassess the MDS workload to ensure NACs have adequate time to complete the MDS and CAAs that will drive resident-centered care plans. Although this waiver was terminated on May 10, 2021, while it was in place many assessments were completed after the resident had discharged from the facility, making the completion of a well-analyzed CAA unnecessary. The waiver for MDS completion and submission may have also had an impact on CAA completion. This is likely not surprising to many long-term care professionals, since the RAI process took a backseat to direct resident care during the pandemic. The 2021 AAPACN Nurse Assessment Coordinator Work Time Study and Salary Report found that the average number of minutes spent on CAAs per comprehensive assessment declined to 46 minutes, compared to 171 minutes in 2017. The pandemic’s effects were clearly reflected in many of the findings, and what was most telling was the stark decrease in time spent completing the care area assessments (CAAs). In June 2021, the American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN) surveyed NACs regarding compensation, challenges, and time spent on MDS-related tasks. Even the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provided exceptions to the rules-including waiving the MDS completion and submission timeframes for a period during the public health emergency. Nurse assessment coordinators (NACs) found themselves working the floor, filling nurse aide shifts, and assisting with mass testing efforts. The safety and care of the residents was the number one priority, and it required all hands on deck. ![]()
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