Nursing Assistant Monthly
The Minimum Data Set 3.0
SEPTEMBER 2010
Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
What is the Minimum Data Set 3.0?
The Minimum Data Set 3.0 (MDS 3.0) is the latest version
of a tool used to:
 Assess residents’ needs and to plan care.
 Ensure better quality care.
 Determine reimbursement to the facility.
 Prepare government reports on quality of care in nursing
homes.
 Provide data for research purposes.
September 2010
Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Minimum Data Set 3.0
Why a new version?
The MDS 2.0 was revised to MDS 3.0 to:
 Keep up with updated knowledge of the needs of older
adults.
 Include the resident more directly in the assessment
process.
 Encourage a team approach to care.
 Collect additional data for research and reporting
purposes.
September 2010
Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Minimum Data Set 3.0
Who designed the MDS 3.0?
The MDS 3.0 was designed and tested by the Centers for
Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) with input from:
 Nurses
 Long-term care facilities
 Health care researchers
 Experts in the care of older adults
September 2010
Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Minimum Data Set 3.0
Who should complete the MDS?
 In most facilities one or more nurses are responsible for
completing the MDS.
 However, all staff—including CNAs—can have input.
 An important addition to MDS 3.0 is the resident
interview, assuring that residents’ have a voice in the
assessment of their own needs.
September 2010
Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Minimum Data Set 3.0
How CNAs contribute to the MDS
 Measuring and documenting vital signs accurately
 Weighing residents and documenting this information
 Measuring and documenting intake and output accurately
 Promptly sharing information with the nurse regarding
changes in a resident’s status
 Being prepared to answer questions from residents or their
families about the new resident interview
September 2010
Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Minimum Data Set 3.0
The resident interview
A nurse will interview each resident to:
 Learn the resident’s goals, preferences, and desires.
 Connect with the resident in a new way.
 Encourage residents’ input in their care plans.
CNAs can help by:
 Helping to explain the purpose of the interview to residents
and families.
 Informing the nurse or MDS coordinator of the best time to
sit with the resident.
September 2010
Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Minimum Data Set 3.0