MDS 3.0 -- Care Area Assessment

The MDS 3.0 programs determine the Care Area Triggers (CATs) and provide the decision-making tools for completing the Care Area Assessments (CAAs).

The System performs the following:

• Reads the MDS 3.0 and determines the CATs that trigger a Care Area (CA).
• Displays CMS-based electronic Care Area Assessment Worksheets that you can use to assess the Care Area and make a care planning decision. You can also print Care Area Assessment Worksheet for each CA.
• Records your decisions, as well as the source of your documentation for your decision.
• Provides an opportunity to record more detailed CAT notes that will be attached to the MDS record. After you record a note, you can lock it to ensure a secure historical record.
• Prints the completed CAA for the resident's chart.
• Submits the completed CAA with the comprehensive MDS.
  NOTE: The System will not submit a comprehensive MDS without the required CAA (Section V).
• The Care Plan program will suggest problems based on the CAAs.