0
Clear speech
if the resident usually utters distinct, intelligible words.
DiraChart MDS item reference
B0600Section Bv1.20.1Manual page B-6
Speech Clarity
Item Rationale
Quick coding
Answer Codes
Use the item-specific response choices below when structured codes apply.
Response format: Coded response
1
Unclear speech
if the resident usually utters slurred or mumbled words.
2
No speech
if there is an absence of spoken words.
Item-specific instructions
Coding Guidance
Review what the item asks, how to choose the response, and what should be verified before submission.
Steps for Assessment
1.
Listen to the resident.
2.
Ask primary assigned caregivers about the resident’s speech pattern.
3.
Review the medical record.
DEFINITION
SPEECH
The verbal expression of
articulate words.
B0600: Speech Clarity (cont.)
4.
Determine the quality of the resident’s speech, not the content or appropriateness—just
words spoken.
Coding Instructions
•
Code 0, clear speech: if the resident usually utters distinct, intelligible words.
•
Code 1, unclear speech: if the resident usually utters slurred or mumbled words.
•
Code 2, no speech: if there is an absence of spoken words.
MDS item matrixAssessment Applicability
See where this item applies across Nursing Home, Swing Bed, discharge, required-use, OBRA, and program or policy columns.
7 relationships3 groups+
Assessment Applicability
See where this item applies across Nursing Home, Swing Bed, discharge, required-use, OBRA, and program or policy columns.
Nursing Home Subsets
Swing Bed Subsets
OBRA Stand Alone Assessments
Official CMS source
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Reference details
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