Section GG and Restorative Nursing

Angie Szumlinski
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December 5, 2023
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The time has come to finalize all training and determine how your facility is capturing the most accurate data for coding Section GG of the MDS 3.0 that was updated and implemented in October 2023. Understanding Section GG scoring can help ensure that long-term care professionals adapt their facility operations accordingly. Those familiar with Section GG know that there are six elements including:

  • Independent with activities; do not require any external help.
  • Setup/cleanup assistance; resident can perform activity but needs assistance afterward.
  • Supervision/touching assistance; resident can carry out activity with supervision or minor physical assistance.
  • Partial/moderate assistance; resident requires ore hands-on help; they can complete part of the activity.
  • Substantial/maximal assistance; unable to complete the task without significant assistance.
  • Dependent; highest level of assistance; task is completed by someone else.

So, what does this mean to you? It should mean a lot! The new Section GG will now be centered on the role of the Certified Nursing Assistance (CNA). This is a testament to the vital role CNAs play in the healthcare ecosystem today. Two items under Section GG, GG0130 (self-care) and GG0170 (mobility) demand particular attention as they play an integral part to determining reimbursement rates under the Patient Drive Payment Model (PDPM) and the Skilled Nursing Facility Quality reporting Program (SNF QRP).

What can we do going forward? Capture accurate data, train your direct care staff on the importance of providing only the care necessary and promoting resident independence, and, of course, we would be amiss if we didn’t underscore the importance of a solid Restorative Nursing program for skilled residents if clinically indicated. The process of identifying restorative needs should begin upon admission, remember, we not only have an opportunity to improve each resident’s quality of life but we also have an opportunity to enhance reimbursement.

If you aren’t sure your program or team are “getting it done”, maybe it is time to look at your current process and programming. As always, HealthCap is here to support you with a complete Restorative Nursing webinar series available to you and your staff. Let us know how we can help!