Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Manual

This webpage includes the current version of the MDS 3.0 RAI Manual and associated documents. This page will be updated when:

• An update is made to the MDS 3.0 RAI Manual, including updates to the MDS 3.0 RAI Manual Appendix B;
• A newer version of the MDS 3.0 RAI Manual becomes available; or
• Important information regarding the MDS 3.0 RAI Manual needs to be communicated.

The MDS 3.0 RAI Manual Appendix B provides a monthly listing of all State RAI Coordinators, Automation Coordinators, and CMS locations. CMS partners with each state to ensure that all staff using the MDS have access to coding support, with each state’s RAI Coordinator offering expert guidance on coding practices that adhere to the MDS 3.0 RAI Manual and serving as frontline help desk support.

Older versions of the MDS 3.0 RAI Manual are available for reference on the Archived: MDS 3.0 RAI Manuals webpage.

On this webpage you will also find the most current MDS 3.0 Item Sets, Item Matrix, erratas, and associated change documents.

What's New –

December 06, 2024

The November update of Appendix B to the MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual contains changes to the list of State RAI Coordinators, MDS Automation Coordinators, and CMS locations and contacts. To ensure accurate formatting, use a current version of Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this PDF. Web-based or mobile browser plug-ins may affect how the file is displayed. The file is located in the Downloads section below.

October 1, 2024

NOW AVAILABLE: Draft MDS 3.0 Item Sets version 1.20.1

The draft Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Item Sets version (v)1.20.1 and Item Matrix are now available in the Downloads section on the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Manual page. The MDS Item Sets v1.20.1 will be effective beginning October 1, 2025.

September 3, 2024

NOW AVAILABLE: MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual v1.19.1R Hyperlink Update Supplement

The Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) User’s Manual version (v)1.19.1R Hyperlink Update Supplement is now available in the Downloads section on the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Manual page.

This is an informational document that includes hyperlinks (links) that have been identified as requiring an update over the lifetime of the MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual v1.19.1, effective October 01, 2024. Due to external webpage changes, links may occasionally redirect or become unreachable, or the information provided on the webpage may change. To ensure all links remain current, a list of non-functional/out-of-date links has been compiled, each with an up-to-date replacement link. Replacement pages for each affected page of the MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual v1.19.1 can be found following the list.

August 1, 2024

NOW AVAILABLE: Final MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual version 1.19.1

The final Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) User’s Manual version (v)1.19.1 is now available in the Downloads section on the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Manual page. The MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual v1.19.1 will be effective beginning October 01, 2024.

This version of the MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual contains guidance to support the addition of new items N0415K: Anticonvulsant and O0350: Resident’s COVID-19 vaccination is up to date. Additionally, the Discharge Goals column in items GG0130: Self-Care and GG0170: Mobility has been removed; and the guidance and examples in Section GG have been revised to reflect the modification. Expanded guidance has been added regarding Manual Assessment Correction/Deletion Requests in Chapter 3, Section X, and Chapter 5. Various minor alignments, clarifications, and corrections have been implemented throughout; specifics can be found in the included chapter/section change tables following the guidance.

June 3, 2024

NOW AVAILABLE: Draft MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual version 1.19.1

The draft Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) User’s Manual version (v)1.19.1 is now available in the Downloads section on the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Manual page. The MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual v1.19.1 will be effective beginning October 01, 2024.

This version of the MDS 3.0 RAI Manual contains guidance to support the addition of new items N0415K: Anticonvulsant and O0350: Resident’s COVID-19 vaccination is up to date. Additionally, the Discharge Goals column in items GG0130: Self-Care and GG0170: Mobility have been removed; and the guidance and examples in Section GG have been revised to reflect the modification. Various minor alignments and corrections have been implemented throughout; specifics can be found in the included chapter/section change tables following the guidance.

May 17, 2024

NOW AVAILABLE: Final MDS 3.0 Item Sets version 1.19.1

The final Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Item Sets version (v)1.19.1 are now available in the Downloads section on the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Manual page. The MDS Item Sets v1.19.1 will be effective beginning October 01, 2024.