Wow, there’s been a lot of movement lately around MDS updates and fall reporting. The October 1, 2025 changes to the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) User’s Manual version 1.20.1 and the updated MDS item sets v1.20.1v4 bring major revisions to item J1900, especially when it comes to coding falls. This shift comes just in time, as questions have surfaced about how accurately falls are being documented in our communities.

It may sound surprising, but according to a recent report by the Office of Inspector General (OIG), many nursing homes failed to report 43% of falls with major injury and hospitalization for their Medicare-enrolled residents. That’s not a typo—43%! The OIG’s review, published in September 2025, found that for-profit and chain nursing homes, as well as larger and nonrural communities, were the most likely to underreport. The gaps varied significantly by state, too.

The OIG isn’t letting this slide. Their recommendation? CMS should act to ensure completeness and accuracy in MDS data used for quality measures—especially those tied to falls with injury. They also encouraged CMS to explore how the lessons learned from fall measure reporting might apply to other quality indicators.

If this feels overwhelming, don’t worry. Help is on the way. In November, we’ll host a podcast featuring Jane Schoof from Amicus (Atrium) in Ohio. She’ll walk us through the J1900 changes, what the language actually means, and how it affects your assessments, reimbursement, and care quality. It’s one you won’t want to miss. Just head over to HealthCap RMS to tune in when the recording goes live.

When it comes to MDS updates and fall reporting, staying ahead of the curve isn’t just about compliance—it’s about ensuring each resident gets the care they deserve.

Stay well and stay informed!