(1) The department shall:

     (a) Employ the resource utilization group III case mix classification methodology. The department shall use the forty-four group index maximizing model for the resource utilization group III grouper version 5.10, but the department may revise or update the classification methodology to reflect advances or refinements in resident assessment or classification, subject to federal requirements; and

     (b) Implement minimum data set 3.0 under the authority of this section and RCW 74.46.431(3). The department must notify nursing home contractors twenty-eight days in advance the date of implementation of the minimum data set 3.0. In the notification, the department must identify for all quarterly rate settings following the date of minimum data set 3.0 implementation a previously established quarterly case mix adjustment established for the quarterly rate settings that will be used for quarterly case mix calculations in direct care until minimum data set 3.0 is fully implemented. After the department has fully implemented minimum data set 3.0, it must adjust any quarter in which it used the previously established quarterly case mix adjustment using the new minimum data set 3.0 data.

     (2) A default case mix group shall be established for cases in which the resident dies or is discharged for any purpose prior to completion of the resident's initial assessment. The default case mix group and case mix weight for these cases shall be designated by the department.

     (3) A default case mix group may also be established for cases in which there is an untimely assessment for the resident. The default case mix group and case mix weight for these cases shall be designated by the department.

[2009 c 570 § 2; 1998 c 322 § 22.]

NOTES:

     Effective date -- 2009 c 570: See note following RCW 74.46.431.