The MDS assessment must be transmitted within 31 days of which date?

• A. Admission date
• B. Discharge date
• C. Lock date
• D. Completion date

Answer: (C)

When a resident’s MDS assessment is finalized for submission, the key moment is the lock date. The facility must transmit the MDS within 31 days after this lock date to ensure the data reach CMS/state systems in time for accurate payment, reporting, and care planning. The lock date is the point at which the assessment is considered complete and frozen for processing; starting the 31-day clock from that date keeps the timing consistent for billing and quality measures. Dates like admission, discharge, or the completion of data entry don’t set this particular transmission deadline—the lock date does.