PMHC MDS reporting, explained.
A plain-English overview of the Primary Mental Health Care Minimum Data Set: who reports, what is collected and what is changing.
General information only. This guide is a plain-English overview, current as at November 2026. It is not legal, compliance or professional advice. Confirm your obligations with your funder and the current official documentation.
What is the PMHC MDS?
The Primary Mental Health Care Minimum Data Set (PMHC MDS) is the national data set for mental health services commissioned by Primary Health Networks (PHNs). It records who uses PHN-commissioned services, what support they receive and how they are going.
Who reports?
PHNs and the provider organisations they commission report to the PMHC MDS. Each PHN sets out its own reporting arrangements and timeframes in its contracts with providers, so check your agreement.
What is collected?
- Clients and episodes. A client record, and episodes of care that group the services provided to that client.
- Service contacts. Each session delivered within an episode.
- Outcome measures. Collection occasions using tools such as the K10+, the K5 and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).
- Intake. Intake and assessment information, including the Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST).
What is changing?
Version 5.0 of the data specification was finalised in December 2025. It brings Universal Aftercare (formerly The Way Back) into the standard specification and adds new fields, including veteran status. Your PHN will confirm when the new version applies to you.
Where Mimaso fits
Mimaso produces this return from the casework your team already records, alongside the other national, state and funder reports your service lodges.
Book a walkthrough to see it with your own programs.
Frequently asked questions
Who decides our reporting timeframes?
Your commissioning PHN, through your contract.
Which outcome measures are used?
The K10+ and the K5 for adults and the SDQ for children and young people, among others in the specification.
Do we need to move to version 5.0?
Version 5.0 replaces version 4.1. Your PHN will set the timing for your service.
Sources
PMHC MDS Data Specification, version 5.0, including the change log and the notes on upgrading from version 4.1.
This guide is general information only and is not legal, compliance or professional advice. Reporting requirements change, so always check the current official documentation and your service agreement. Mimaso accepts no responsibility for any reliance placed on this guide.