My staffing star rating continues to be low. I have not decreased my staffing levels and there has been no significant change in census or acuity. What should I do?
There still is widespread confusion around the staffing portion of the star rating. The methodology for calculation of this changed as of April 2018.
The calculation used to be based on what was self-reported. It is now based on Payroll Based Journal submissions. The submission of this data is required by the 45th calendar day after the end of a reporting quarter. Feb. 14, 2019, is that next date.
Many facilities have the payroll company submitting on their behalf. Remember that as a facility, you are responsible for your data. I strongly recommend that someone at the facility review and sign off on the data prior to submission. You should be reviewing to ensure all staff are being captured — including temporary staff. Ensure that RNs with administrative duties, as well as your director of nursing hours, are being captured.
Also ensure that there are at least eight hours of RN staff daily. If you have not done so, you can create PBJ reports in the CASPER system to examine your data. This is the first thing to do if you do not like your star rating.
Remember, also, that census data is gathered from the MDS repository. It’s important to ensure accurate entry and discharge records to ensure data is correct. CMS released an updated Policy Manual in November 2019 with an expanded section on meal breaks and added a section on Universal Workers.
If, after reviewing your reports and making sure all staff are captured and reported correctly, you are still struggling to understand your rating, do not hesitate to reach out to the PBJ help desk or a consultant who can assist you in improving the number of stars.
Please send your payment-related questions to Caryn Adams at [email protected].
From the February 01, 2019 Issue of McKnight's Long-Term Care News
