What standards must MDS data software meet for skilled nursing facilities to submit data?

The submission of Minimum Data Set (MDS) data for skilled nursing facilities must adhere to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) standards. MDS is a key component of the Resident Assessment Instrument, which is mandated by CMS to assess the health and functional capabilities of residents in nursing homes.

These standards provide the required guidelines and formats for data collection, ensuring that the information submitted by nursing facilities is consistent, complete, and accurate. Compliance with CMS standards is critical because they not only govern the quality of care but also tie into the reimbursement process for services provided to residents. If skilled nursing facilities do not meet these standards, they risk issues with funding and the quality of care assessments that impact the overall operation of the facility.

Other standards listed, such as those from the Joint Commission, HL-7, and NHIN, focus on different aspects of healthcare data management and interoperability but do not specifically govern the requirements for MDS data submissions.