System Description

4146.1 - System Description (Rev. 1, 05-21-04) The CMS has provided each State with an MDS system composed of standardized hardware and software platforms scaled to meet each State’s anticipated processing volumes. The hardware is comprised of a communications server, database server, modems and other peripheral devices. The QIES system software includes an Oracle database, Netscape Enterprise Server, Netscape Personal Edition, Microsoft Windows NT, the MDS/OASIS Data Management Application, and all required software licenses. The MDS system deployed to each State was specifically engineered and purchased to fulfill the MDS requirements of 42 CFR 483.20(f) and 483.315(h), additional CMS provider assessment processes as they become effective, and operational support of Medicare and Medicaid survey and certification pursuant to §1864 of the Social Security Act. The system was designed with an emphasis on flexibility and integration, so that additional software components could be easily added to provide the States with new MDS-related functionality (such as new or revised quality indicators and expanded analytical reports), as well as applications that support future assessment processes for other provider types, and new capabilities to support survey and certification operations or any other entity using the MDS data or system. Since each State’s system was specifically sized to accommodate these planned functions, the SA or any other entity using the MDS data or system must not add other, non-CMS prescribed, applications or databases to the MDS system.