True or False: The primary purpose of the Minimum Data Set is to assess quality improvement in long-term care settings.

The assertion that the primary purpose of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) is to assess quality improvement in long-term care settings is accurate. The MDS is a comprehensive assessment tool used in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities to gather essential information about residents' health status, functional abilities, and needs.

While the MDS contributes to financial audits and can inform estimates of care costs, its main function centers around improving the quality of care provided to residents. By systematically collecting data on various aspects of a resident's health and well-being, the MDS allows for the identification of areas where improvements are needed, ensuring that care plans are tailored to effectively meet individual needs.

In addition, the data collected through the MDS informs regulatory requirements and helps facilities benchmark their performance against other organizations, ultimately driving quality assurance initiatives. Thus, the statement recognizes the MDS's integral role in promoting better health outcomes and enhancing the overall quality of care in long-term settings.