Minimum Data Set
The Minimum Data Set (MDS) is part of the U.S. federally mandated process for clinical assessment of all residents in Medicare or Medicaid certified nursing homes and non-critical access hospitals with Medicare swing bed agreements. (The term "swing bed" refers to the Social Security Act's authorizing small, rural hospitals to use their beds in both an acute care and Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) capacity, as needed.) == Description == This process provides a comprehensive assessment of each resident's functional capabilities and helps nursing home and SNF staff identify health problems.