New dementia quality measures approved for LTC

Two new quality measures proposed by AMDA—Dedicated to Long Term Care Medicine have been approved by the board of the National Quality Forum (NQF).

The new measures, “Persistent Indicators of Dementia without a Diagnosis—Long Stay” and “Persistent Indicators of Dementia without a Diagnosis—Short Stay,” complement existing Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) quality measures. Information including mental status, depression and delirium are captured by the Minimum Data Set 3.0 for the measures.

A diagnosis of dementia affects the medications, care plans and treatment that are appropriate for long-term care residents. But unrecognized or undiagnosed dementia can lead to poor coordination and a failure to provide care designed to promote quality of life.

In a release, AMDA Past President James Lett, II, MD, CMD said, “The new AMDA measures are a first step in identifying, then addressing a major enemy of good patient care.”

An appeals period will run through April 4, 2013 before final implementation.

Sandra Hoban

Sandra Hoban was on I Advance Senior Care / Long-Term Living’s editorial staff for 17 years. She is one of the country’s longest-serving senior care journalists. Before joining Long-Term Living, she was a member of the promotions department at Advanstar Communications. In addition to her editorial experience, Sandi has served past roles in print and broadcast advertising as a traffic and talent coordinator.