The October 1, 2019, deadline for implementation of PDPM is looming. Nursing home administrators should use caution if they are thinking that fewer NAC hours will be needed just because the number of PPS assessments will decrease. The MDS is still the primary data source under PDPM, and MDS accuracy and completeness are paramount to accurate reimbursement. The preparation needed to get the NAC ready for their new role under PDPM cannot wait until October! We must start now, especially since we all know how the calendar seems to speed up when the summer months are upon us.

Let’s take a look at some of the NAC’s current tasks and how they will change under PDPM: