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MSW

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Master’s-level Social Workers

Created by Scolari Consulting

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Welcome to Your Course!

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This course is designed to be interactive and engaging. To get the most out of it, please remember:

  • Listen carefully to the audio and video instructions.
  • Click through each section and explore the interactive features.
  • Follow the prompts to complete activities, quizzes, and exercises.
  • You cannot fast forward through content: Navigation arrows will appear to guide you forward once each section is complete.

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Purpose of the Course

Welcome to your training as a Master’s-Level Social Worker in the PACE model. In this unique role, you’ll step into homes, hospital rooms, and care team huddles—not just to assess, but to understand. You’ll listen between the lines, uncover silent risks and translate human experience into coordinated care. This course will guide you through what it truly means to be a Social Worker in PACE, conducting biopsychosocial assessments, supporting families through complex transitions, advocating for dignity and documenting with purpose.

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Module 2
Module 1
Module 3
Module 4

Module 1

A Day in the Life of a PACE MSW

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introduction

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Three Core Actions of the MSW in PACE

Assess and Identify Needs Conduct biopsychosocial assessments and identify emotional, social and environmental risks that affect the participant’s well-being.

Support and Connect Provide counseling, crisis intervention, and caregiver support while linking participants to vital resources like housing, food and behavioral health.

Document to Drive Care Clearly document findings and actions to influence the care plan, ensure compliance with 42 CFR §460.106 and protect participant rights and outcomes.

MODULE 1
A Day in the Life of a PACE MSW

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learning objectives

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By the end of this module, you will be able to:

Describe the daily responsibilities of the MSW in the PACE model, including assessment, advocacy, and care coordination.

Explain how MSWs address social, emotional, and environmental needs as part of participant-centered care.

Apply effective, compliant documentation practices using the 4C Formula.

MODULE 1
A Day in the Life of a PACE MSW

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key points

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Who is theMSW in PACE?

What MSWs Actually Do

MODULE 1
A Day in the Life of a PACE MSW

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Documentation:Care Coordination in Action

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The 4C Formula is a structured approach to documentation that ensures your notes are complete, regulatory-ready, and truly reflect the care delivered. It helps tie together observations, clinical insights, actions taken and IDT collaboration.

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MODULE 1
A Day in the Life of a PACE MSW

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Complete vs IncompleteDocumentation

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Vague Note:

“Participant seems withdrawn but okay. No concerns at this time”

4C Note:

“Participant alert but withdrawn (Clear Observation). Behavior suggests emotional decline post-hospitalization (Clinical Interpretation). Initiated psychosocial reassessment and scheduled home visit (Care Action). Communicated findings to IDT for review (Collaborative Next Steps).”

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MODULE 1
A Day in the Life of a PACE MSW

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“No Heat, No Note?”

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Let’s shadow Marisol again... You’re on a home visit to check in on Mr. Basilik, he’s quiet, wearing gloves indoors. The apartment is freezing. No active heat. When asked, he shrugs: “Trying to save money.” You offer a referral to the utility assistance program and jot down a plan to follow up. Back at the center, you mention it in the huddle—but the note you write? “Home visit completed. Participant-oriented x3. There is no heat in the apartment.”

Let’s look at how to fix it using the 4C Formula:

MODULE 1
A Day in the Life of a PACE MSW

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Instruction:Multiple Choice

question 1

MODULE 1
A Day in the Life of a PACE MSW

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Instruction:True or False

question 2

MODULE 1
A Day in the Life of a PACE MSW

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Instruction:Drag the Word

question 3

MODULE 1
A Day in the Life of a PACE MSW

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Module 1Completed!

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Key Takeaways:
  1. Core members of the IDT – social workers are responsible for assessment, advocacy, and care coordination across every setting—home, center, and community.
  2. Ensure the delivery of participant-centered care - you see what’s unsaid and bring forward the emotional, social, and environmental factors that shape a participant’s health.
  3. Documentation is the bridge – you connect what you observe and what the team does next. Your notes drive care, ensure compliance and protect the rights and dignity of every participant. 

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Module 2
Module 1
Module 3
Module 4

Module 2

IDT Participation & Collaboration

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LEarning Objectives

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By the end of this module, you will be able to:

Explain how MSWs contribute to IDT communication and care planning

Identify key strategies for turning psychosocial insights into team-based actions

Apply the 4C Formula to document impactful psychosocial updates

MODULE 2

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IDT Participation & Collaboration

What Does Strong IDT Participation Look Like?

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MODULE 2

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IDT Participation & Collaboration

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

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MODULE 2

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IDT Participation & Collaboration

Documentation Spotlight

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“He’s Just Lonely” Isn’t Enough

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Click to Learn a Pro Tip

MODULE 2

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IDT Participation & Collaboration

Instruction:Multiple Choice

question 1

MODULE 2

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IDT Participation & Collaboration

Instruction:True or False

question 2

MODULE 2

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IDT Participation & Collaboration

Instruction:Drag the Word

question 3

MODULE 2

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IDT Participation & Collaboration

Module 2Completed!

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Key Takeaways:
  1. MSWs contribute more than updates—they shape care planning by turning participant experiences into psychosocial insights that guide the team.
  2. The timing, tone, and clarity of your communication matter. Sharing early, using quotes and connecting emotions to function can activate the rest of the IDT to respond effectively.
  3. Strong documentation transforms your voice into continuity. What you observe, interpret and recommend—when clearly documented—helps ensure nothing gets lost between meetings.

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Module 2
Module 1
Module 3
Module 4

Module 3

Care Coordination Acrossthe Continuum of Care

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LEarning Objectives

Click on each item to learn why it matters

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

Identify the MSW’s core responsibilities during each care transition

Spot psychosocial red flags that impact safety and outcomes

Apply the 4C Formula to document clearly across the continuum of care

MODULE 3

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Care Coordination Across the Continuum of Care

Step 1: at home

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A Quiet Crisis Begins at Home

Red Flags to Watch

MSW Role at This Stage

Best Practice

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MODULE 3

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Care Coordination Across the Continuum of Care

Step 2: Facility Entry

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When a Transfer Happens, You Carry the Story

Red Flags to Watch

MSW Role at This Stage

Documentation Spotlight

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MODULE 3

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Care Coordination Across the Continuum of Care

Step 3: During Stay

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Don’t Disappear During the Stay—Be Their Anchor

Red Flags to Watch

MSW Role at This Stage

Best Practice

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MODULE 3

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Care Coordination Across the Continuum of Care

Step 4: Return Home / Post-Discharge

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Coming Home Is Its Own Transition

Red Flags to Watch

MSW Role at This Stage

Documentation Spotlight

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MODULE 3

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Care Coordination Across the Continuum of Care

Instruction:Multiple Choice

question 1

MODULE 3

Having Technical Issues?Click me

Care Coordination Across the Continuum of Care

Instruction:True or False

question 2

MODULE 3

Having Technical Issues?Click me

Care Coordination Across the Continuum of Care

Instruction:Drag the Word

question 3

MODULE 3

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Care Coordination Across the Continuum of Care

Module 3Completed!

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Key Takeaways:
  1. Social Workers play a critical role across all stages of care transitions - anticipating needs, assessing risks and activating early support.
  2. You spot red flags others miss - Subtle changes at home or in behavior often signal deeper risks. Your early action prevents bigger problems.
  3. From insight into action – your documentation ensures continuity, compliance and participant-centered care after each transition.

Menu

Module 2
Module 1
Module 3
Module 4

Module 4

Real-World Practice & Application

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LEarning Objectives

Click on each item to learn why it matters

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

Analyze MSW responsibilities in real-time decision-making

Identify red flags that require psychosocial intervention

Apply the 4C Documentation Formula to complex participant cases

Coordinate psychosocial care across IDT and settings

MODULE 4

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Real-World Practice & Application

Case Study

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“Holding the Thread – The Story of Mr. Alvarez”

Participant: Mr. Luis AlvarezAge: 81Living Situation: Lives at home with adult daughter (caregiver)Conditions: CHF, diabetes, mild cognitive impairmentPsychosocial Factors: Widowed, Spanish-speaking only, emotionally withdrawn after wife’s death, reluctant to engage in therapy or support groups

Title

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Subtitle

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MODULE 4

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Real-World Practice & Application

Step 1: Missed Visitsand a Quiet Caregiver

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Situation:

Over the past 2 weeks, Mr. Alvarez has missed 3 center days. His daughter says he's “just tired.” Staff note he’s been less talkative when he does attend. He’s lost weight and seems distracted during meals.

Red Flags to Watch

MSW Actions

Documentation Spotlight

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MODULE 4

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Real-World Practice & Application

Step 2: Home Visit – “He’s Not the Same”

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Situation:

At the home, Mr. Alvarez appears disheveled. His daughter is agitated. She confides that she’s exhausted, working two jobs, and feels like she’s “losing him.” Mr. Alvarez keeps calling out his late wife’s name in the middle of the night.

Coaching Narration

MSW Actions

Best Practice Table

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MODULE 4

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Real-World Practice & Application

Step 3: Escalation During IDT

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Situation:

At the next IDT meeting, Liz presents her findings. The PCP suggests “watchful waiting,” unsure if grief counseling will help. The dietitian is concerned about Mr. Alvarez’s nutritional decline.

Documentation Spotlight

MSW Actions

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MODULE 4

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Real-World Practice & Application

Step 4: 3 Weeks Later – A Turning Point

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Situation:

Mr. Alvarez begins weekly grief visits with a bilingual counselor. He starts eating more regularly. His daughter uses a respite voucher for the first time. She joins a Spanish-language caregiver support group.

Coaching Narration

What Worked

Final Reflection

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MODULE 4

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Real-World Practice & Application

Instruction:True or False

question 1

MODULE 4

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Real-World Practice & Application

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question 2

MODULE 4

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Real-World Practice & Application

Instruction:Arrange the Sequence

question 3

MODULE 4

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Real-World Practice & Application

Module 4Completed!

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Key Takeaways:
  • Your daily role as an MSW goes beyond tasks—it's about listening deeply, advocating fiercely, and responding early. 
  • Your voice in IDT isn't optional—it's essential to truly participant-centered care. 
  • You are a bridge across the care continuum, ensuring transitions are supported, not just survived. 
  • Your 4C documentation is your compliance compass, but also your storytelling tool. 

End-of-Course Reflection

  • You are the voice that brings emotion, risk, and resilience into the care plan.What you observe and share can shape the entire team’s actions.
  • Your role isn’t just supportive—it’s clinical, regulatory, and essential.You navigate assessments, transitions, grief, crises, and systems—often before anyone else sees the need.
  • The quality of your documentation defines the continuity of care.Your clarity protects participants’ rights and ensures services follow through.
  • Your silence can mean their story goes untold.Speak up early, document with precision and advocate even when it’s hard.
  • You are not alone.The IDT is stronger when you lead with psychosocial insight.

Evaluation

Instruction:Multiple Choice

question 1

Final Evaluation

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PACE MSW

Instruction:True or False

question 2

Final Evaluation

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PACE MSW

Instruction:Drag the Word

question 3

Final Evaluation

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PACE MSW

Instruction:Arrange the Sequence

question 4

Final Evaluation

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PACE MSW

Instruction:Multiple Choice

question 5

Final Evaluation

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PACE MSW

Instruction:True or False

question 6

Final Evaluation

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PACE MSW

Instruction:Drag the Word

question 7

Final Evaluation

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PACE MSW

Instruction:Arrange the Sequence

question 8

Final Evaluation

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PACE MSW

Instruction:Multiple Choice

question 9

Final Evaluation

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PACE MSW

Instruction:Multiple Choice

question 10

Final Evaluation

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PACE MSW

Congratulations!

You’ve successfully completed your course—well done! Your commitment to learning, growing and improving your skills has truly paid off. By finishing this course, you’ve taken an important step in building new knowledge and strengthening your professional development. Keep up the great work, and remember that every skill you gain is an investment in your future.

Any questions?

👏

rosana.scolari@scolariconsulting.com www.scolariconsulting.com

Who is the MSW in PACE?

  • Licensed social worker with a Master’s degree.
  • Core member of the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT).
  • Focused on psychosocial well-being, dignity, and access to resources.
  • Serves as participant advocate, emotional support, and systems navigator.
Documentation Spotlight

Scenario: "Ms. Liu has been admitted to a Skilled Nursing Facility after a fall. The facility nurse reports she’s quiet and compliant." Bad Note: “Participant admitted to SNF after fall. No concerns noted by staff. Will continue to monitor.”

Red Flags to Watch

  • Caregiver visibly overwhelmed
  • Participant disengaged or anxious
  • Home environment not suited to new mobility status
  • DME delivered but not used
  • No follow-up services initiated

What MSWs Actually Do

1. Assess Needs Per 42 CFR § 460.104, conduct biopsychosocial initial assessments within 30 days of enrollment and semi-annually, or as needed to understand the full picture of the participant’s well-being. 2. Identify Risk Factors Spot emotional, social, and environmental issues that may impact health, safety, or independence. 3. Provide Support Offer counseling, crisis intervention, and guidance to participants and their caregivers during times of stress or change. 4. Connect to Services Link participants to essential resources like housing, food, transportation, and behavioral health care. 5. Document for Action Write clear, timely notes that support care coordination, regulatory compliance, and participant rights under 42 CFR §460.102.

Documentation Spotlight

Scenario: Ms. Jennifer was admitted to a SNF after a fall. She lives with her son, who seemed calm—but privately told the MSW: “I can’t handle this anymore. I just can’t.”Bad Note: “Participant admitted to SNF due to recent fall. Family aware of plan.”

Best Practice

Build trust before a crisis.Your early notes lay the foundation for IDT action when the situation escalates.

Red Flags to Watch

  • Abrupt placement without family support
  • No psychosocial summary sent with participant
  • Facility unaware of behavioral health needs
  • Participant disoriented or panicked by the move
️ Red Flags
Let’s look at how to fix it using the 4C Formula:

MSW Actions

  • Advocates for active intervention, not passive observation
  • Cites risk of psychosocial decline triggering medical events
  • Suggests short-term in-home grief support and respite trial
  • Offers to coordinate joint visit with RN for rapport-building

Best Practice

Your advocacy ensures the transition home is not just safe—but aligned with the participant’s values.

MSW Role at This Stage

Red Flags to Watch

  • Missed Day Center visits with vague reasons
  • Caregiver expressing exhaustion, frustration, or guilt
  • Participant verbalizing “I don’t want to be a burden”
  • Unkept home, unopened mail, or expired food
  • Changes in mood, withdrawal from social activity
What Worked
Documentation Spotlight

Pro Tip:

When in doubt, ask yourself:“Does my note show what I saw, what I thought, what I did, and who else knows?” If not — add the missing C.

Pro Tip:

“One quote, one observation, one action—telling a story, that’s all it takes to help the team see the person, not just the plan.”

Red Flags to Watch

  • Participant isolated or emotionally distressed
  • Facility social worker unaware of care preferences
  • Conflicts within family around discharge decisions
  • Behavioral issues triggering medication or restraint use

MSW Actions

  • Reviews attendance, recent nursing notes, and his last psychosocial assessment
  • Calls the daughter: she sounds rushed, says she’s “fine,” but avoids details
  • Requests a home visit

Final Reflection

“In this case, it wasn’t a medical diagnosis that drove the crisis—it was silence, sadness, and caregiver strain. The MSW's job is to see beneath the surface. Not just to ask what’s wrong, but what’s missing? In Mr. Alvarez’s case, it was connection. And through her training, presence, and documentation, Liz helped restore it.”

MSW Role at This Stage
Coaching Narration

“This didn’t happen overnight. But it wouldn’t have happened at all without intervention. Liz didn’t just react—she stayed engaged across weeks, settings, and disciplines. She didn’t assume the family would figure it out. She walked with them until they did.”

Documentation Spotlight

Instead of: “Participant shows signs of grief. Discussed in IDT.” Use 4C:

Best Practice Table
Coaching Narration

“This isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about connection. Liz doesn’t give her a handout—she gives her presence. She listens. And that alone shifts the daughter from shutdown to sharing. You can’t fix grief. But you can be the person who helps the family survive it together.”

MSW Actions

  • Normalizes caregiver emotions, validates distress
  • Assesses for complicated grief and potential early dementia signs
  • Initiates referral for caregiver support + respite options
  • Provides grief education, explores cultural/religious resources
MSW Role at This Stage
MSW Role at This Stage

Why It Matters in PACE

  • Ensures compliance with 42 CFR §460.102 documentation expectations
  • Supports team-based planning and accountability
  • Strengthens your role as a care coordinator, not just a service provider
  • Tells the full story of the participant — not just a symptom or a service