DiraChart MDS item reference
A1110ASection Av1.20.1Manual page A-22
Language: What is your preferred language?
This item is referenced against CMS MDS source materials. Verify coding against the current CMS RAI Manual, item set instructions, and facility documentation before submission.
Quick codingAnswer Codes
Use the item-specific response choices below when structured codes apply.
Response format: Text entry
A1110A — Language: What is your preferred language?
Enter the value requested for this item using the current CMS text entry format. Verify the entry against Manual page A-22 and the supporting facility documentation.
Item-specific instructionsCoding Guidance
Review what the item asks, how to choose the response, and what should be verified before submission.
RAI Manual v1.20.1Steps for Assessment
1. Ask for the resident’s preferred language.
2. Ask the resident if they need or want an interpreter to communicate with a doctor or health
care staff.
3. If the resident—even with the assistance of an interpreter—is unable to respond, a family
member, significant other, and/or guardian/legally authorized representative should be asked.
4. If neither the resident nor a family member, significant other, nor guardian/legally authorized
representative source is able to provide a response for this item, medical documentation may
be used.
5. It is acceptable for a family member, significant other, and/or legally authorized
representative to be the interpreter if the resident is comfortable with it and if the family
member, significant other, and/or guardian/legally authorized representative will translate
exactly what the resident says without providing their interpretation.
A1110: Language (cont.)
Manual page A-22RAI Manual v1.20.1Coding Instructions
for A1110A
•
Enter the preferred language the resident primarily speaks or understands after
interviewing the resident and family, significant other and/or guardian/legally authorized
representative and/or reviewing the medical record.
•
If the resident, family member, significant other, guardian/legally authorized
representative and/or medical record documentation cannot or does not identify preferred
language, enter a dash (—) in the first box. A dash indicates “no information.” CMS
expects dash use to be a rare occurrence.
Coding Instructions for A1110B
•
Code 0, No: if the resident (family, significant other, guardian/legally authorized
representative or medical record) indicates there is no need or want of an interpreter to
communicate with a doctor or health care staff.
•
Code 1, Yes: if the resident (family, significant other, guardian/legally authorized
representative or medical record) indicates the need or want of an interpreter to
communicate with a doctor or health care staff. Ensure that preferred language is
indicated.
•
Code 9, Unable to determine: if the resident is unable or declines to respond or
any available source (family, significant other, guardian/legally authorized representative
or medical records) cannot or does not identify the need or want of an interpreter.
Manual page A-22RAI Manual v1.20.1Coding Tips
and Special Populations
•
An organized system of signing such as American Sign Language (ASL) can be reported
as the preferred language if the resident needs or wants to communicate in this manner.
Manual page A-22 MDS item matrixAssessment Applicability
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