Minimum Data Set (MDS) Information

For the purposes of coding the MDS during the upcoming flu season, Nursing Facilities should only code for the "Seasonal Influenza Vaccine." You should not code the MDS for the "H1N1 Influenza Vaccine." Nursing Facilities should follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for specific guidance for H1N1 Influenza. For the most up to date and accurate information it is recommended that you frequently check the CDC Influenza Website (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/). Any additional questions can be directed to mds30comments@cms.hhs.gov.

The flu season begins when the vaccine is available and if facilities are giving the vaccine in September they can code it on Section W2a1. Any flu vaccine given in September can be coded on the MDS but only those assessments with the ARD beginning October 1 and continuing through June 30 every year are to have the W2 field completed. For example, if the ARD for the MDS is 9/28/09 it does not matter if the resident got the flu vaccine in September or not, this information will not go on the MDS; any subsequent MDS assessments and/or discharge tracking forms completed after 10/1 will capture that information.

MDS 2.0

http://www.cms.hhs.gov/NursingHomeQualityInits/20_NHQIMDS20.asp
A CMS website - includes links to the RAI User's Manual, manual updated, tip sheets, MDS forms, MDS 2.0 software and specifications
https://www.qtso.com/
Qies Technical Support Office - this includes numerous links to the following:
  • CMS
  • MDCN/ATT
  • MDS
  • MDS 3.0
  • RAVEN (Free MDS Software)
  • STRIVE (Staff Time and Resource Intensity Verification)

MDS 3.0

http://www.cms.hhs.gov/NursingHomeQualityInits/25_NHQIMDS30.asp
This includes links to the current information available regarding the MDS 3.0 and its implementation.

State MDS Information

Section S Specifications

Quality Measures

CMS Quality Measures for Nursing Homes

Other Websites

These websites may be of help/interest, however, when coding the MDS, the instructions in the manual must be followed.

The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel
The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society
National Guideline Clearinghouse
National Quality Measures Clearing House (AHRQ)