MDS 3.0 Essentials: A Ten-Session On-Demand Workshop

MDS Essentials: An Introduction to the MDS 3.0 is a ten-session virtual workshop that moves through the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) User’s Manual, helping you to understand the intent, rationale, and coding requirements of each MDS item set, Care Area Assessments, care plans, and scheduling. The program is perfect for a new NAC with less than six months of experience and serves as a great primer to the RAC-CT certification program.

At the end of your MDS training, you will:

  • Understand the history of the RAI process and the scope of the RAI’s impact, including Quality Measures, Five-Star Rating, reimbursement, and survey outcomes
  • Know how to avoid coding errors by effectively using the RAI User’s Manual and understanding of MDS item sets
  • Be able to develop person-centered care plans based on an understanding of Care Area Assessments
  • Comprehend the basics of assessment scheduling to avoid being overwhelmed by PPS and OBRA timing guidelines

Each module in MDS Essentials is approximately 45-90 minutes and provides 0.75 – 1.50 CEs. Course content has been updated to include FY 2024 updates.

  • MDS 3.0 Essentials 1: An Introduction to RAI Process, OBRA ’87, and RAI User’s Manual
  • MDS 3.0 Essentials 2: Coding Sections A, B, and C
  • MDS 3.0 Essentials 3: Coding Sections D, E, F, and Q
  • MDS 3.0 Essentials 4: Coding Sections H, I, and J
  • MDS 3.0 Essentials 5: Coding Sections GG and K
  • MDS 3.0 Essentials 6: Coding Sections L, M, N, and P
  • MDS 3.0 Essentials 7: Coding Sections O, V, X, and Z
  • MDS 3.0 Essentials 8: Introduction to CAA notes and Care Plans
  • MDS 3.0 Essentials 9: Introduction to OBRA Scheduling
  • MDS 3.0 Essentials 10: Introduction to PPS Scheduling and PDPM

Product Data Disclaimer
Failure to complete all required product components before the product expiration date may result in permanent deletion of data pertaining to the product, including but not limited to product progress and exam results. Product expiration dates can be found on your learner dashboard.

AAPACN’s learning management system is designed to reset progress data when completion requirements are unmet, allowing learners to repurchase/restart educational content.

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Part 1 of MDS Essentials workshop

    MDS 3.0 Essentials 1: An Introduction to RAI Process, OBRA ’87, and RAI User’s Manual

    Start building a strong foundation of knowledge by understanding how the RAI process drives individualized resident care, reimbursement, and survey outcomes.

    This session will help you:

    • Understand how to use the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Manual
    • Describe the components of the RAI process
    • Interpret the regulatory mandate for the Minimum Data Set (MDS)
    • Differentiate the various functions of the MDS and their application in nursing homes
    • Demonstrate awareness of key aspects of RAI-specific terminology
    • Explain the process for accurate and timely completion of the MDS
    • Describe how the RAI process is linked to resident care and positive outcomes

    1.0 contact hours will be awarded for this continuing nursing education activity. Learners must view at least 80% of the entire video and complete the associated evaluation to receive the contact hours. No partial credit will be awarded. Contact hours will be awarded for this activity until October 16, 2026.


    Product Data Disclaimer
    Failure to complete all required product components before the product expiration date may result in permanent deletion of data pertaining to the product, including but not limited to product progress and exam results. Product expiration dates can be found on your learner dashboard.

    AAPACN’s learning management system is designed to reset progress data when completion requirements are unmet, allowing learners to repurchase/restart educational content.

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Part 2 of MDS Essentials workshop: Updated Oct 2023 to include Sections A, B, and C

    MDS 3.0 Essentials 2: Coding Sections A, B, and C

    Begin your journey through the MDS section-by-section as we explore the intent and rationale of each item. This session will cover three MDS Sections (A, B, and C) and will start to introduce MDS interview techniques.

    This session will help you:

    • Understand the intent, rationale, steps for assessment, and basic coding instructions for each item
    • Review key definitions that are critical to understanding coding requirements
    • Realize the basic tips and techniques for completing MDS scripted interviews

    1.0 contact hours will be awarded for this continuing nursing education activity. Learners must view at least 80% of the entire video and complete the associated evaluation to receive the contact hours. No partial credit will be awarded. Contact hours will be awarded for this activity until October 16, 2026.


    Product Data Disclaimer
    Failure to complete all required product components before the product expiration date may result in permanent deletion of data pertaining to the product, including but not limited to product progress and exam results. Product expiration dates can be found on your learner dashboard.

    AAPACN’s learning management system is designed to reset progress data when completion requirements are unmet, allowing learners to repurchase/restart educational content.

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Part 3 of MDS Essentials workshop

    MDS 3.0 Essentials 3: Coding Sections D, E, F, and Q

    Continue your journey through the MDS section-by-section as we explore the intent and rationale of each item. This session will cover four MDS Sections (D, E, F and Q) and will continue to help develop your MDS interview techniques.

    This session will help you:

    • Understand the intent, rationale, steps for assessment, and basic coding instructions for each item
    • Review key definitions that are critical to understanding coding requirements
    • Realize the basic tips and techniques for completing MDS scripted interviews

    1.0 contact hours will be awarded for this continuing nursing education activity. Learners must view at least 80% of the entire video and complete the associated evaluation to receive the contact hours. No partial credit will be awarded. Contact hours will be awarded for this activity until November 15, 2026.


    Product Data Disclaimer
    Failure to complete all required product components before the product expiration date may result in permanent deletion of data pertaining to the product, including but not limited to product progress and exam results. Product expiration dates can be found on your learner dashboard.

    AAPACN’s learning management system is designed to reset progress data when completion requirements are unmet, allowing learners to repurchase/restart educational content.

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Part 4 of MDS Essentials workshop: Updated Oct 2023 to include Sections H, I, and J

    MDS 3.0 Essentials 4: Coding Sections H, I, and J

    The journey through the MDS section-by-section continues as we explore the intent and rationale of each item. This session will cover three MDS Sections (H, I, and J).

    This session will help you:

    • Understand the intent, rationale, steps for assessment, and basic coding instructions for each item
    • Review key definitions that are critical to understanding coding requirements

    1.25 contact hours will be awarded for this continuing nursing education activity. Learners must view at least 80% of the entire video and complete the associated evaluation to receive the contact hours. No partial credit will be awarded. Contact hours will be awarded for this activity until October 16, 2026.


    Product Data Disclaimer
    Failure to complete all required product components before the product expiration date may result in permanent deletion of data pertaining to the product, including but not limited to product progress and exam results. Product expiration dates can be found on your learner dashboard.

    AAPACN’s learning management system is designed to reset progress data when completion requirements are unmet, allowing learners to repurchase/restart educational content.

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Part 5 of MDS Essentials workshop

    MDS 3.0 Essentials 5: Coding Sections GG and K

    Continue your journey through the MDS section-by-section as we explore the intent and rationale of each item. This session will cover two MDS Sections (GG and K) and walk you through the nuances of the Section GG requirements.

    This session will help you:

    • Understand the intent, rationale, steps for assessment, and basic coding instructions for each item
    • Review key definitions that are critical to understanding coding requirements
    • Apply the calculation of weight loss and weight gain

    1.5 contact hours will be awarded for this continuing nursing education activity. Learners must view at least 80% of the entire video and complete the associated evaluation to receive the contact hours. No partial credit will be awarded. Contact hours will be awarded for this activity until October 16, 2026.


    Product Data Disclaimer
    Failure to complete all required product components before the product expiration date may result in permanent deletion of data pertaining to the product, including but not limited to product progress and exam results. Product expiration dates can be found on your learner dashboard.

    AAPACN’s learning management system is designed to reset progress data when completion requirements are unmet, allowing learners to repurchase/restart educational content.

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Part 6 of MDS Essentials workshop

    MDS 3.0 Essentials 6: Coding Sections L, M, N, and P

    Delving into the essentials of the MDS continues as we explore the intent and rationale of each item in four Sections (L, M, N, and P).

    This session will help you:

    • Understand the intent, rationale, steps for assessment, and basic coding instructions for each item
    • Review key definitions that are critical to understanding coding requirements

    1.5 contact hours will be awarded for this continuing nursing education activity. Learners must view at least 80% of the entire video and complete the associated evaluation to receive the contact hours. No partial credit will be awarded. Contact hours will be awarded for this activity until October 16, 2026.


    Product Data Disclaimer
    Failure to complete all required product components before the product expiration date may result in permanent deletion of data pertaining to the product, including but not limited to product progress and exam results. Product expiration dates can be found on your learner dashboard.

    AAPACN’s learning management system is designed to reset progress data when completion requirements are unmet, allowing learners to repurchase/restart educational content.

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Part 7 of MDS Essentials workshop

    MDS 3.0 Essentials 7: Coding Sections O, V, X, and Z

    The journey through the MDS continues as we explore the intent and rationale of each item. This session will cover four MDS Sections (O, V, X, and Z).

    This session will help you:

    • Understand the intent, rationale, steps for assessment, and basic coding instructions for each item
    • Review key definitions that are critical to understanding coding requirements
    • Recognize when the MDS correction policy is needed for inactivations and modifications
    • Apply guidelines concerning signatures for MDS coding, completion, CAA notes, and care plans

    1.0 contact hour will be awarded for this continuing nursing education activity. Learners must view at least 80% of the entire video and complete the associated evaluation to receive the contact hours. No partial credit will be awarded. Contact hours will be awarded for this activity until November 15, 2026.


    Product Data Disclaimer
    Failure to complete all required product components before the product expiration date may result in permanent deletion of data pertaining to the product, including but not limited to product progress and exam results. Product expiration dates can be found on your learner dashboard.

    AAPACN’s learning management system is designed to reset progress data when completion requirements are unmet, allowing learners to repurchase/restart educational content.

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Part 8 of MDS Essentials workshop

    MDS 3.0 Essentials 8: Introduction to CAA notes and Care Plans

    Continue your journey through the next step in the RAI process as we explore the RAI requirements for Care Area Assessment notes and care plans.

    This session will help you:

    • Understand the RAI process for Care Area Triggers and Care Area Assessment Summary
    • Apply RAI requirements for care plans
    • Review case studies and examples for Care Area Assessments and care plans

    0.75 contact hour will be awarded for this continuing nursing education activity. Learners must view at least 80% of the entire video and complete the associated evaluation to receive the contact hours. No partial credit will be awarded. Contact hours will be awarded for this activity until October 16, 2026.


    Product Data Disclaimer
    Failure to complete all required product components before the product expiration date may result in permanent deletion of data pertaining to the product, including but not limited to product progress and exam results. Product expiration dates can be found on your learner dashboard.

    AAPACN’s learning management system is designed to reset progress data when completion requirements are unmet, allowing learners to repurchase/restart educational content.

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Part 9 of MDS Essentials workshop

    MDS 3.0 Essentials 9: Introduction to OBRA Scheduling

    A critical piece of the RAI process is the OBRA assessment schedule.

    This session will introduce you to the OBRA scheduling and transmission process by:

    • Establishing key acronyms and definitions that are essential to understand the scheduling requirements
    • Explaining scheduling, completion, and transmission deadlines
    • Demonstrate how different assessments will impact the OBRA assessment schedule

    1.0 contact hours will be awarded for this continuing nursing education activity. Learners must view at least 80% of the entire video and complete the associated evaluation to receive the contact hours. No partial credit will be awarded. Contact hours will be awarded for this activity until October 16, 2026.


    Product Data Disclaimer
    Failure to complete all required product components before the product expiration date may result in permanent deletion of data pertaining to the product, including but not limited to product progress and exam results. Product expiration dates can be found on your learner dashboard.

    AAPACN’s learning management system is designed to reset progress data when completion requirements are unmet, allowing learners to repurchase/restart educational content.

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Part 10 of MDS Essentials workshop

    MDS 3.0 Essentials 10: Introduction to PPS Scheduling and PDPM

    Our journey comes to a close as we explore the SNF Medicare Prospective Payment System (PPS) schedule that is a requirement for Original Medicare Part A residents in order for the facility to receive reimbursement with the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM).

    This session will help you:

    • Understand the assessment scheduling requirements for PDPM PPS
    • Describe the ramifications of non-compliance with the assessment schedule
    • Review the six components of PDPM
    • Recognize the concepts of the interruption stay window
    • Determine the HIPPS Codes used for billing

    1.0 contact hour will be awarded for this continuing nursing education activity. Learners must view at least 80% of the entire video and complete the associated evaluation to receive the contact hours. No partial credit will be awarded. Contact hours will be awarded for this activity until October 16, 2026.


    Product Data Disclaimer
    Failure to complete all required product components before the product expiration date may result in permanent deletion of data pertaining to the product, including but not limited to product progress and exam results. Product expiration dates can be found on your learner dashboard.

    AAPACN’s learning management system is designed to reset progress data when completion requirements are unmet, allowing learners to repurchase/restart educational content.