CMS Releases Finalized MDS Item Sets and Matrix for Nursing Homes Effective October 1, 2025 8/27/2025 PolicyCMS Page ContentThe Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have posted the final Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Item Sets version 1.20.1v3 and Item Matrix v1.20.1v3 in the Downloads section of their Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Manual page. The MDS Item Sets will be effective beginning October 1, 2025. The MDS item sets include the following notable changes: A0800, Gender, is changed to A0810, Sex. The transportation item A1250 has been updated and simplified under A1255. The removal of most therapy items under O0400, which are replaced with a simplified item O0390, Therapy Services. Section R (which included several items for social determinants of health) was removed as outlined in the FY 2026 SNF PPS Final Rule. Questions may be directed to regulatory@ahca.org. Related Articles Caregiving Policy Avoiding Common ICD-10-CM Coding Concerns in Long Term Care The most common ICD-10-CM missteps in LTC are not usually the result of a lack of effort, but rather are due to documentation gaps, outdated habits, or misunderstandings of coding conventions and guidelines. READ MORE CMS Workforce 5 CMS Staffing Compliance Issues To Address Before Survey Because staffing compliance spans multiple functions, including scheduling, payroll, credentialing, agency oversight, and reporting, it benefits from periodic, intentional review. READ MORE CMS Key Resources for the SNF QRP are Now Available CMS posted several key resources for the Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program for the FY 2027 and FY 2028 program years. READ MORE View All Articles Related Articles Policy 5/31/2026 Regulatory Updates Echo AHCA's Better Way Recent updates by CMS signal that federal policymakers are receptive to finding a better way when it comes to oversight of skilled nursing facilities. READ MORE Medicare Advantage Caregiving 5/31/2026 Seniors Needing Care Struggle to Navigate Medicare Advantage Seniors are increasingly drawn to Medicare Advantage plans, until they need post-acute care. Here’s what can be done to protect the benefits seniors have earned. READ MORE Policy 3/5/2026 Regulatory Improvements—and What Comes Next Recent compliance guidance from CMS reflects years of advocacy from AHCA for updates that streamline regulations and support providers. READ MORE