Course Description:

The Minimum Data Set (MDS) drives nearly every aspect of SNF operations, from reimbursement and quality measures to care planning and regulatory compliance. For DONs, understanding how the MDS reflects clinical care and impacts facility outcomes is essential. This session provides a practical overview of key MDS components, how they connect to nursing documentation, and what DONs should monitor to ensure accuracy and compliance. Participants will explore the relationship between clinical assessment, interdisciplinary collaboration, and MDS coding, as well as the resulting clinical and reimbursement outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the purpose and regulatory significance of the MDS.

2. Identify key MDS sections that directly impact nursing care, quality measures, and reimbursement.

3. Recognize common documentation issues that can lead to inaccurate coding or compliance risks.

4. Apply strategies for effective MDS oversight, IDT collaboration, and quality improvement.