A method of encoding scalable video data having multiple layers where each layer in the multiple layers is associated with at least one other layer includes identifying one or more layers using a first identifier where the first identifier indicates decoding dependency, and identifying reference pictures within the identified one or more layers using a second identifier. The coding of the second identifier for pictures in a first layer is independent of pictures in a second enhancement layer. As such, for all pictures with a certain value of DependencyID, the syntax element frame_num is coded independently of other pictures with different values of DependencyID. Within all pictures with a pre-determined value of DependencyID, a default frame_num coding method is used.