Minimum Data Set (MDS)
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Nursing facilities, skilled nursing units, and swing bed hospital providers must conduct standardized assessments of residents' using the Minimum Data Set (MDS). The automated MDS system, called the Internet Quality Improvement Evaluation System (iQIES) enables the transmission of data for payment validation under the Medicare Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System. Managed by CMS, this federally-owned database adheres to the Federal Privacy Act and the MDS System of Records (MDS-SOR) notice regarding privacy and information disclosure. For more information on CMS’ privacy policy, visit: CMS Privacy Website.
The Quality Improvement and Evaluation Service (QIES) staff is responsible for overseeing the MDS program at the Oklahoma State Department of Health. The MDS program oversees the delivery of health care information and provides consultative support to facilities regarding the MDS process. Key responsibilities include educating providers on MDS methodology and accurately completing each MDS data set, interpreting validation reports, aiding in error correction, and conducting regular and ad-hoc training sessions for agency staff and surveyors. Further duties involve supporting software vendors and assisting surveyors with MDS related questions during the survey process. Additionally, we send important announcements and updates via GovDelivery. If you would like to receive updates please sign-up and select the following two topics: MDS Information and Quality Improvement & Evaluation Service.
Special Announcements
Training and Workshops
Please read the following before registering:
We ask that you register each person that plans to attend the workshop.
Walk-ins are welcome if seating is available.
Please contact the QIES Help Desk for any assistance or questions at:
(405) 426-8160 or MDShelp@health.ok.gov
| Training Name and Date |
Location | Details/Information |
MDS 3.0 Essentials Training June 18th & 19th, 2026 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Intended audience: New MDS Coordinators, Administrators, Director of Nursing, and clinicians desiring a review of the MDS and RAI guidelines. |
Gordon Cooper Technology Center 1 John C Bruton Blvd. Shawnee, OK |
If desired, bring the 2025 RAI Manual (not required), highlighter, extra battery charger for laptop or phone, and jacket for comfort. |
If you need help with clinical, automation, or workshop questions, please contact the QIES Help Desk at (405) 426-8160.
Our trainers are here for you!
QIES Education
- Code of Federal Regulations
- Code of Federal Regulations for Swing Bed
- System of Records
- Oklahoma State Law and Unofficial Rules
As of October 1, 2025, facilities will not be able to submit records with a target date of 10/1/25 and later using the iQIES User Interface Tool. Nursing facilities must obtain software developed by private vendors in order to submit MDS assessments.
Facilities may choose to submit their assessments in one of the following methods, depending on their policy:
- Submit their own assessments via the software vendor, Or
- The vendor may submit for the facility, Or
- The corporate office may submit assessments for the facility.
- Nursing Home Infection Control Federal Regulations
- Nursing Home Infection Preventionist Training Course
- User will need to create an account and register for the course.
- CDC LEARN
- QSEP - (enter as "I am a Provider")
- Universal Infection Prevention and Control
- Infection Control Self-Assessment Worksheet
- CMS Head to Toe Infection Prevention for Long-Term Care Staff
- For bedside licensed nurses and nurse aides (scroll to Downloads to access the files)
- AHRQ: A Unit Guide to Infection Prevention for Long-Term Care Staff
- What’s New: PBJ Provider User’s Guide
- Visit QTSO website for download
- PBJ website
- For questions related to software or technical requirements, please email NursingHomePBJTechIssues@cms.hhs.gov.
- For questions related to PBJ policies, please email NHstaffing@cms.hhs.gov.
- MDS 3.0 Resident Interview Pocket Guide (4.25 x 5.5)
- Excerpts from the MDS 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument User's Manual - April 2012
- MDS 3.0 Resident Cue Card Set (8.5 x 11)
- For use with the MDS 3.0 Resident Interview Pocket Guide - April 2012
- QIES Technical Support Office (QTSO) Resources
- Under "I'm a Provider," access "Nursing Home/MDS/Swing Bed Providers," then "Reference & Manuals" for the following resource:
- CASPER Reporting User’s Guide for Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ)
- iQIES MDS FAQs and
- iQIES MDS User Guides and Manual
- Under "I'm a Provider," access "Nursing Home/MDS/Swing Bed Providers," then "Reference & Manuals" for the following resource:
- Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Spotlights and Announcements
- The SNF QRP creates SNF quality reporting requirements, as mandated by the Improving Medicare Post-Acute Care Transformation Act of 2014 (IMPACT Act). Every year, by October 1, CMS will publish the quality measures that SNFs must report.
- SNF-QRP Training
- This page is organized to be a library of training materials and resources available to SNFs. Trainings added to this page in the most recent six months will display as *NEW*.
- Includes multiple web-based training series that are designed to be used on demand and includes interactive exercises to test your knowledge related to the assessment and coding of various data elements within the MDS item sets.
- This page is organized to be a library of training materials and resources available to SNFs. Trainings added to this page in the most recent six months will display as *NEW*.
- MDS 3.0 Quality Measure’s User’s Manual
- The full MDS 3.0 QM User’s Manual and accompanying Risk Adjustment Appendix File can be found in the Downloads section of this webpage.
- Fall Prevention Resource
- For Older Adults, Caregivers, and Families: Use our online tools to stay healthy and identify resources in your community.
- For Professionals: Identify best practices and evidence-based programs to serve older adults in your profession.
- Nursing Home and MDS Resource Document
- OU Health Sciences Center Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative
- CASPER User's Guide
- MDS QM Reports - (Scroll down to the download section at the bottom of the page)
- CMS YouTube Training Videos for MDS 3.0 - From the "MDS 3.0 Training Materials" web page, videos are located towards the bottom under "Related Links Outside CMS". MP4 video files are also provided just in case your facility is not able to access the videos via YouTube website.
- Minimum Data Set Frequency
- MDS data that is updated quarterly for active residents currently in nursing homes.
Related Topics
Contact Information
Mailing Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
Quality Improvement and Evaluation Service
123 Robert S. Kerr. Ave Suite 1702
Oklahoma City, OK 73102-6406
Physical Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
123 Robert S. Kerr. Ave
Oklahoma City, OK
Phone: (405) 426-8160
Fax: (405) 900-7573
For help with automation and clinical issues, or questions regarding training and registration, contact your QIES Team: MDS Help Desk.
