Minimum Data Set (MDS)
The Minimum Data Set (MDS) is part of the federally mandated process for clinical assessment of all residents in Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing homes. This process provides a comprehensive assessment of each resident's functional capabilities and helps nursing home staff identify health problems. Care Area Assessments (CAAs) are part of this process, and provide the foundation upon which a resident's individual care plan is formulated. MDS assessments are completed for all residents in certified nursing homes, regardless of source of payment for the individual resident. MDS assessments are required for residents on admission to the nursing facility, periodically, and on discharge. All assessments are completed within specific guidelines and time frames. In most cases, participants in the assessment process are licensed health care professionals employed by the nursing home. MDS information is transmitted electronically by nursing homes to the national MDS database at CMS.
Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Manual – October 2024
MDS Manual Correction/Deletion Request Form
Click here for CMS website providing information regarding:
MDS 3.0 RAI Manual
Nursing Home Quality Initiatives
SNF Quality Reporting
Quality Measures
MDS 3.0 Training
MDS Technical Information
Payroll Based Journal (PBJ)
Other Related Links and Downloads
Additional CMS websites on the Minimum Data Set
Myers and Stauffer Information
Help Desk telephone number:1-800-763-2278
Click here for Myers and Stauffer website regarding:
Documentation or Reviews
Medicaid Payments
Case Mix Index Reports
Email address: HSSLTCMDS@la.gov
Phone: (225) 342-2428 or 1-800-261-1318