RO Roles and Responsibilities

4146.9 - RO Roles and Responsibilities (Rev. 1, 05-21-04) ROs must provide the States with the program guidance and technical assistance critical to successful implementation of MDS and subsequent programs and ensure that the States have the necessary resources to accomplish these goals. The following activities must be performed by the RO: 1. Budget Process - The RO must review each State agency’s budget request and the required MDS Implementation Plans in accordance with the Budget Call Memorandum and reasonable and prudent expenditure of funds to ensure that States receive a fair and reasonable allocation. The RO must monitor Quarterly Expenditure Reports against the States’ allocation; 2. Review State Implementation Plans - The RO must review all annual MDS Implementation Plans from the States and ensure that the States have reasonable plans for ensuring facilities have the technical information, training, and assistance they need to comply with MDS submission and accuracy, privacy and security requirements, and that the States are monitoring facility compliance with MDS requirements; 3. Review Contracts and Agreements - The RO must ensure that the State survey agency has executed an agreement with another entity if that other entity is operating the MDS system on behalf of the State survey agency responsible for nursing home survey and certification; 4. Provide Training and Technical Assistance - The RO must provide training and technical assistance to the States in MDS implementation requirements and continuing education in the MDS program; 5. Perform Focused Reviews/Federal Surveys - The RO will use the National MDS Repository assessment and quality indicator data to select facilities for focused reviews, and in preparation for Federal surveys; and 6. Take Enforcement Action - The RO will process and effectuate enforcement actions for non-compliance with MDS requirements.