MDS 2.0 Rules & References
53-RUG-III System - Classification Criteria
How the Rehabilitation Plus Extensive Services RUGs are classified for SNF Medicare PPS. (58k pdf, 03-2006)

Assessment Reference Date Calendar
Due dates for medicare assessments, updated annually

CMS Instructions for using the Medicare PPS Assessment Form (MPAF)
MDS 2.0, Version 1.20. May 2002 (pdf)

MDS 2.0 Reference
Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Manual
The official guide for completing an MDS assessment. Section-by-section instructions. (link to CMS)

MDS 2.0 Information Site
Technical information related to the MDS 2.0 (link to CMS).

MDS 3.0 Information Site
Technical information related to the development of MDS 3.0 (link to CMS).

Nursing Home Quality Initiative
CMS's homepage for FAQs, information on Quality Measures, Nursing Home Compare Website (link to CMS).

Quarterly Provider Update
Regulations published regarding SNFs (link to CMS).

MLN Matters Articles
Medicare Learning Network (MLN) articles are brief, accurate, and easy-to-understand information on Medicare reimbursement rules.

Duplicate Residents and the MDS
How to find duplicates and fix them. Prepared by Washington MDS Automation Coordinator. (42k pdf, 05-2006)

Validation Reports and Error Messages
(231k pdf)

Here are the reference materials you need to do a top-notch job of coordinating the MDS.
State MDS Coordinators
Lists of MDS Automation Coordinators and RAI Coordinators for each state. (link to CMS}

CMS 802 Compliance Report used by Surveyors
Roster/Sample Matrix Instructions for Surveyors
(11k pdf, May 2000)

Roster/Sample Matrix Provider Instructions
(11k pdf, April 2000)

Roster/Sample Matrix
(13k pdf, June 1999)

QIES Technical Support - MDS
Information on QI/QM reports, Rug-111, MDS forms. (link to QTSO)