AdditonalInformationSwingBedPRA08

Additional Information for Swing Bed Hospital Resident Assessment MDS Data and Supporting Regulations in 42 CFR 413.343 and 413.114

Social Security numbers (SSN) may NOT be collected unless it is absolutely necessary (e.g., a statutory requirement). If you believe your collection must collect SSNs, you must provide the rationale for using the SSN as a data element. Please make sure to list and explain any public law, U.S. Code, Executive Order, or statute that mandates or authorizes the use of the SSN. Please include the following information:

• Why do you need to use the SSN?

CMS is authorized to collect information, including the social security number, under Sections 1819(b)(3), 1819(e)(5) and 1888(e)(6) of the Social Security Act. Medicare and Medicaid participating swing bed hospitals are required to establish a database of patient assessment information (SB-MDS), and to electronically transmit this information to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for payment purposes. The social security number is used to link the SB-MDS to the HICN on the claim and to link multiple SB-MDS’ for the same beneficiary to ensure proper payment under the Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System.

• What will happen if you cannot use the SSN as a data element?

We will be unable to link the SB-MDS to the claim to ensure proper payment.

• Explain alternative data elements considered and why you do not consider them suitable replacements for the SSN.

As part of the development and implementation of the MDS 3.0, we are looking at alternative data elements suitable to replace the SSN. A suitable replacement has not been identified at this time.

• What are the costs associated with alternatives?

The cost is unknown at this time.