Changing MDS Data

Is this the printed MDS that has been signed after submission? If it is it cannot be changed, but like you I am new to this as well. You cannot make changes to a submitted MDS unless you make a modification to a prior submission. Can someone else possibly help us out? Thanks.

Doris

Accdg. to the RAI p5-6 ...

Everyone is bound to this requirement. It is only prudent to inform the discipline who made the original (erroneous?) entry since he/she might have documented it or collected the info somewhere in the medical record. Proper communication will also avert making the same mistake or set right misinterpretations in coding.

Don't forget that the nurse who signs the R line is just saying that the MDS was completed under his/her oversight. There are several ways to look at your situation. I have some social service people who are not well trained in the MDS process, and I FREQUENTLY have to correct their answers. I usually make a list of my corrections and let them know what I have done, prior to the entry on the electronic MDS.
I would ask non-threatening questions, if I were you. I would ask "Can you explain that change to me?" really humbly, if I were you. You may find out some things that are in the manual that you should know already, or she may find out that you know more than she thinks. The best thing here is to ask the questions, and if the person you are asking gets defensive, humble down and explain that you are asking because you want to do the job right and you just don't understand.

It took me a lot of arrogant years to find out that people feel threatened by questions, so I really had to watch a lot of Columbo reruns to get the technique down. I've actually come to like acting dumb now, and I get a lot more education accomplished with humility than I ever did with arrogance or even neutrality.....
ST