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Updated RUG Certification Training, Transition to PDPM

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This information is for Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), STAR+PLUS Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), and Medically Dependent Children’s Program (MDCP) providers and services.

PDPM LTC will replace the current Resource Utilization Group (RUG) methodology, effective Sept. 1, 2025, following CMS guidelines.

This notification is to inform nursing facility providers and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) about the assessors’ completion of the MDS, SK-SAI, and the MN/LOC assessments that OIG and HHSC Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) have been working to redesign and an update to the current training content and delivery mechanism to align with the updated payment methodology. It’s been updated to include the link to the training website.

As of June 16, 2025, assessors are no longer able to access RUG Certification training via Texas State University. Following the transition, the materials will be available no later than Sept. 2, 2025, at no cost to participants.

Because Sept. 1 is a federal and state holiday, the training materials will be available on the new website on Sept. 2, 2025.

Accessors who need to renew their certification or certify for the first time must complete a form on the TXST website no later than Aug. 31, 2025, if they need to use the grace period to complete the training by Nov. 30, 2025.

During the transition, June 16–Aug. 31, 2025, accessors who need to renew their certification or certify for the first time will be required to fill out a form on the TXST website to be added to the certification file. Certification will not lapse during the transition if the form is submitted by Aug. 31, 2025. Texas State University Website: distancelearning.txst.edu/continuing-education/rug-training.html

Assessors with a certification expiration date of Sept. 1–Nov. 30, 2025, will have until Nov. 30, 2025, to take the updated training.

More information about the transition and a step-by-step guide to the 2025 TXST RUG Transition Extension is available on the NF Provider Portal and the Texas Minimum Data Set webpage.