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April 2006

Data Verification and Assessment (DAVE2) Project

DAVE2 is the second generation of a project begun in 2000. The primary purpose is to measure, verify and improve the accuracy of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) data submitted by nursing homes throughout the nation. The new DAVE2 project is focused on the MDS coding and the coding elements for quality indicators and quality measures with limited focus on the payment elements.

DAVE2 activities are designed to perform data analysis and reporting, onsite accuracy reviews, MDS communication and staff education. At this time the project team is analyzing the data previously collected during the first DAVE project, which ended in 2004. There will also be an examination of the impact of known discrepancies on quality indicators (QI), quality measures (QM), Resource Utilization Group (RUG)-III classifications and Resident Assessment Protocols (RAPS) derived from the MDS assessment.

The long-range effort of the DAVE2 project is to use accuracy review data to:

  • Identify trends in coding errors
  • Develop data surveillance methods and educate providers
  • Inform states and CMS regarding MDS coding discrepancies
  • Resolve discrepancies

The DAVE2 project will include both off-site and on-site MDS and resident record reviews. The on-site visits to audit MDS assessments will begin April 2006. The on-site review teams are composed of two experienced clinicians (RNs) who have established proficiency using and scoring the MDS. 

One type of review will be the Retrospective Medical Record Review (RMRR). This review looks at the MDS and resident record that has been completed within the past thirty days. The two-stage accuracy review will be completed by the DAVE2 project team. The RNs will perform an independent assessment on the residents who have had an MDS completed within the last couple of weeks. The team will compare the assessments and conference with the facility when discrepancies are found.

The DAVE2 team plans on utilizing a national sample of 60 facilities. The team’s findings, recommendations and training materials will be found on the MDS 2.0 web site early this summer. Questions or comments can be e-mailed to: dave2@abtassoc.com

Karen Merk, RN, BS, CRNAC
Clinical Consultant, Briggs Corporation

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