Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Technical Information

What's New

September 25, 2025

PDPM Grouper JAR Package V2.4000 Now Available 

This release was updated to support FY2026 ICD-10 codes which are used with MDS assessments with a target date on or after October 1, 2025. As part of this release, 487 clinical category mappings were added, 28 clinical category mappings were removed, and 34 clinical category mappings were modified. Additionally, 3 NTA comorbidities were added and 1 NTA comorbidity was removed. Refer to the tables in PDPM_V2.4000_Internal_Data.zip for more details.

NOTE: Version 2.4000 was compiled using Java version 17 and will run on version 17 and higher. It cannot be run on version 8 or any version lower than 17.

September 24, 2025

Errata V3.10.3 for MDS Data Specifications V3.10.2 (FINAL) 

Errata V3.10.3 is now available for the MDS Data Specifications V3.10.2 (FINAL) under the Downloads section at the bottom of this webpage. Three issues have been identified, two of which will result in the addition of edits -4097 and -4098 to replace deleted edits -3852 and -3994, respectively.  The other issue corrects a typo in the allowed values for a Section S item.  These revisions will go into production on October 1, 2025.

August 19, 2025

The MDS Data Specifications V3.10.2 (FINAL) are now available for download under the Downloads section at the bottom of this webpage. This version reflects changes finalized in the FY 2026 SNF PPS final rule (90 FR 37310). Note that there are some minor changes since DRAFT 3 (below) was posted, including a new edit -4096.  Please reference the Item Change and Edit Change Reports for all revisions.

In addition, the Microsoft Access database containing the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 codes allowed for item I0020B has been updated to reflect the codes that will be active as of October 1, 2025 (FY2026). The ZIP file containing the updated database is now available in the Downloads section.

June 13, 2025

Notice Regarding the October 2025 Release of the PDPM Grouper

The current version of the PDPM Grouper uses Java software and is currently based on Java version 8.  Support for Java version 8 will end by November 2026.  CMS is preparing now to convert the program to Java version 17.   

The October 2024 update, published in August 2024, is compiled in Java 8 and can run on versions 8, 17 and all other versions higher than 8.   The release of the PDPM Grouper effective October 2025 will be compiled using Java version 17 and will run on version 17 and higher. Providers and their software vendors should begin planning now to ensure they are prepared for this conversion in the fall. 

Questions about the Java 17 conversion can be sent at any time to the resource mailbox GrouperBetaTesting@cms.hhs.gov. 

May 23, 2025

MDS Data Specifications V3.10.1 (DRAFT 3) Now Available

The MDS Data Specifications V3.10.1 (DRAFT 3) are now available for download under the Downloads section at the bottom of this webpage. This version reflects the changes proposed in the FY 2026 SNF PPS proposed rule (90 FR 18590).  Specifically, V3.10.1 (DRAFT 3) does not include items R0310, R0320, and R0330 and replaces item R0340 with item A1255.  Please check the item and edit change reports for additional information.  

IMPORTANT NOTE: A FINAL version of the MDS Data Specifications (V3.10.2) will be posted in late summer for implementation on October 1, 2025. The FINAL version will be either the previously posted DRAFT 2 or this DRAFT 3, depending on the decisions finalized in rulemaking.

May 8, 2025

MDS Data Specifications V3.10.1 (DRAFT 2) Now Available

The MDS Data Specifications V3.10.1 (DRAFT 2) are now available for download under the Downloads section at the bottom of this webpage. This version will be implemented in production on October 1, 2025. Note that item A0810 replaces A0800 and X0310 replaces X0300.  Please check the item and edit change reports for additional revisions.  Note that the previously posted Section S item additions are present in this DRAFT 2 version.

The FINAL version of the MDS Data Specifications will be posted in late summer.

February 26, 2025

Section S for MDS Data Specifications V3.10.1 (FINAL) Now Available

The Section S portion of the forthcoming MDS Data Specifications V3.10.1 (FINAL) is now available for download under the Downloads section at the bottom of this webpage.  This MDS version will be implemented in production on October 1, 2025.  The ZIP file below contains a PDF of the complete Section S specifications and an Item Change Report PDF showing Section S changes only, as well as comma-separated value (CSV) files containing the Section S items and the allowed values for said items. 

We encourage the vendor community to review the Section S specifications and submit comments and questions to the iQIES help desk by March 31, 2025.  CMS plans to finalize all data specs in April. 

MDS Data Specifications V3.10.0 (DRAFT) Now Available

The MDS Data Specifications V3.10.0 (DRAFT) are now available for download under the Downloads section at the bottom of this webpage. This version will be implemented in production on October 1, 2025.  Please note the addition of Section R.  Also, the O0400 and A1250 items will be removed, while O0390 items will be added. Furthermore, the dash (-) will become an allowed value for the D0150 frequency items. As always, please check the item and edit change reports for additional details.  Note that Section S item additions are not present in this DRAFT version but will be present in the FINAL version.

We encourage the vendor community to begin reviewing these draft specifications in preparation for an upcoming vendor call.