Better Outcomes with the DC Function Score
Event Schedule
September 16, 2026 I 10:30–11:30 a.m. CT
Location
Virtual/Zoom
Event Description
This course explains the Discharge Function Score, a key CMS quality measure that evaluates whether short-term residents meet or exceed expected functional outcomes at discharge based on GG items. It reviews how the score is calculated, which items are included or excluded, and how risk adjustment factors – such as prior level of function (PLOF), cognition, comorbidities, and prior device use – impact expected outcomes. The training emphasizes the importance of accurate coding, capturing true usual performance at admission and discharge, and ensuring therapy and nursing documentation align. It outlines how the Function Score influences Five-Star ratings, the Quality Reporting Program, and future Value-Based Purchasing reimbursement. Finally, the course provides action steps for organizational teams to improve outcomes through interdisciplinary care planning, effective discharge planning, accuracy of documentation and focus on resident care and clinical outcomes.
Objectives
- Define the components of the MDS included in the definition of the DC Function Score
- Understand how covariates and risk adjustment factors affect the DC Function Score.
- Recognize how the DC Function Score impacts their quality measures, the 5-Star program, Quality Reporting Program, and the Value-Based Purchasing initiatives.
- Identify strategies to improve accuracy of documentation.
- Describe interdisciplinary action plans to improve the outcomes of our residents.
Speakers
Jen Callahan, MSP CCC-SLP, RAC-CT is the Director of Clinical & Reimbursement with Functional Pathways and an SLP by background. She received her masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of South Caroline in 2000 and has over 23 years’ experience in providing care and therapeutic services, as well as developing programs, education, and training materials around providing care for the aging population. She has held various operational and clinical positions, is RAC certified, been a speaker at several state and national level conferences and has extensive experience along the post-acute care continuum.
Dani Beveridge, PT CEEAA RAC-CT PAC Certified Trainer and Coach is a Clinical and Program Specialist at Functional Pathways and is part of a leadership team that drives innovation and excellence in therapy services nationwide. Danielle’s role involves working closely with clients to ensure their needs are met and goals are reached through strong relationships and industry-leading clinical and financial outcomes. Her work is part of a broader commitment to providing legendary customer support and a culture of care for patients, staff, and clients.
Continuing Education Information
Nursing Home Administrators: 1 contact hour is intended to meet the criteria established by the Iowa Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators for participants who attend this event in its entirety. Partial credit for this event will not be granted. To receive contact hours or a certificate of attendance, you must attend the entire event. Retain your certificate for four years.
Iowa Board of Nursing: 1 contact hour is intended to meet the criteria established by the Iowa Board of Nursing for participants who attend this event in its entirety. Partial credit for this event will not be granted. To receive contact hours or a certificate of attendance, you must attend the entire event. Retain your certificate for four years.
For other long-term support and service provider professionals not listed above: Most licensure boards, credentialing agencies and professional organizations have processes that allow individuals to earn a certain number of CEUs for non-preapproved programs and/or to accommodate self-submission for approval of continuing education hours after the event takes place with proper documentation from the program sponsors. It is up to the discretion of the licensee to choose relevant sessions and self-report. Generic certificates of attendance will be provided.
Registration & Other Information
LeadingAge Iowa Member FREE
Prospective Member $99
Click here to register now.
What’s Included
Registration fee includes digital handout, one connection to the live webinar and instructions for receiving CE credit/ attendance certificate. A recording of this webinar is included in the registration fee (no CE credit/attendance certificate will be awarded when viewing the recording).
Cancellation/Refund Policy
There will be no refunds approved for this webinar. Registered attendees who miss the live webinar can request the recording following the webinar.
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