0
Understood
if the resident expresses requests and ideas clearly.
DiraChart MDS item reference
B0700Section Bv1.20.1Manual page B-7
Makes Self Understood
Item Rationale
Quick coding
Answer Codes
Use the item-specific response choices below when structured codes apply.
Response format: Coded response
1
Usually understood
if the resident has difficulty communicating some words or finishing thoughts but is able if prompted or given time. They may have
delayed responses or may require some prompting to make self understood.
2
Sometimes understood
if the resident has limited ability but is able to
express concrete requests regarding at least basic needs (e.g., food, drink, sleep, toilet).
3
Rarely or never understood
if, at best, the resident’s understanding is limited to staff interpretation of highly individual, resident-specific sounds or body
language (e.g., indicated presence of pain or need to toilet).
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.
Assess using the resident’s preferred language or method of communication.
2.
Interact with the resident. Be sure they can hear you or have access to their preferred method
for communication. If the resident seems unable to communicate, offer alternatives such as
writing, pointing, sign language, or using cue cards.
3.
Observe their interactions with others in different settings and circumstances.
4.
Consult with the primary nurse assistants (over all shifts) and the resident’s family and
speech-language pathologist.
Coding Instructions
•
Code 0, understood: if the resident expresses requests and ideas clearly.
•
Code 1, usually understood: if the resident has difficulty communicating some
words or finishing thoughts but is able if prompted or given time. They may have
delayed responses or may require some prompting to make self understood.
•
Code 2, sometimes understood: if the resident has limited ability but is able to
express concrete requests regarding at least basic needs (e.g., food, drink, sleep, toilet).
•
Code 3, rarely or never understood: if, at best, the resident’s understanding is
limited to staff interpretation of highly individual, resident-specific sounds or body
language (e.g., indicated presence of pain or need to toilet).
Coding Tips
and Special Populations
•
This item cannot be coded as Rarely/Never Understood if the resident completed any of
the resident interviews, as the interviews are conducted during the look-back period for
this item and should be factored in when determining the residents’ ability to make self
understood during the entire 7-day look-back period.
•
While B0700 and the resident interview items are not directly dependent upon one
another, inconsistencies in coding among these items should be evaluated.
MDS item matrixAssessment Applicability
See where this item applies across Nursing Home, Swing Bed, discharge, required-use, OBRA, and program or policy columns.
14 relationships6 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
Shared NH/SB Subsets
OBRA Stand Alone Assessments
Program and Policy Use
Item Subset Required Use ISC Skip Patterns
Official CMS source
Verify in the CMS Source
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Reference details
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