Re: ARD and Grace Days

[RRS2000]

CMS' published position is that it is appropriate to use grace days if necessary on a case-by-case basis. According to the PPS Final Rule, "Another reason for the provision of three grace days for the 5-day assessment was to make it possible for beneficiaries to classify into the two highest RUG-III rehabilitation sub-categories. Classification into the Ultra High and Very High Rehabilitation sub-categories is not possible unless the beneficiary receives the sub-category's minimum level of services during the first seven days of the stay" (Federal Register, July 30, 1999, Page 41657, G. MDS Scheduling Requirements, 1.  Grace Days.)

Rena

Rena R. Shephard, MHA, RN, FACDONA, RAC-C
Chair, American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordinators
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

Subj: Re: ARD and Grace Days
Date: 5/6/04 9:57:50 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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Rena or Ron...Could you please verify this for me?  Two RNACs said it was okay.  Thank you.

I know this has been rehashed many times, but an issue came up today and I still feel hazy about it.  We do not have rehab coverage for the weekends but do have coverage Monday through Friday.  Is it legitimate to use grace days for the 5-day assessment to place a resident in a very high or ultra high category if the reason is simply that we do not have coverage on the weekend??  Thank you very much for your help.