Assessment: Minimum Data Set (MDS)

The MDS is federally mandated interdisciplinary assessment instrument used in all U.S. nursing homes. It is part of the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) which also includes guidelines (Resident Assessment Protocols [RAPs]) for further comprehensive assessments in 18 clinical areas.

MDS 2.0
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/NursingHomeQualityInits/20_NHQIMDS20.asp
The MDS and the RAI Users manual (includes the RAPs) is available from this link.

MDS 3.0
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/NursingHomeQualityInits/25_NHQIMDS30.asp
The MDS 3.0 is anticipated to replace the MDS 2.0 in Fall 2009.

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