F0400H: Resident Interview: Lock Things to Keep Them Safe, Step-by-Step

Step-by-Step Coding Guide for F0400H: Resident Interview: Lock Things to Keep Them Safe

1. Review of Medical Records

Objective: Assess the resident’s preference regarding whether they feel it is important to lock away their personal belongings for safety.

Actions:

• Review the resident’s care plan and notes to determine if any concerns have been expressed about the safety of their personal items.
• Interview the resident, asking directly about their preferences for locking away personal items and what measures they feel are necessary for their sense of security.

2. Understanding Definitions

F0400H: Lock Things to Keep Them Safe: This item captures the resident’s view on how important it is for them to lock their personal belongings away for safety while staying in the facility.

Example Scenario:

• Resident A: The resident feels that having their personal belongings locked away is critical due to concerns about theft. They request access to a lockable space. This would be coded as 1: Very important.

3. Coding Instructions

Step-by-Step:

• Step 1: Ask the resident about their preference on locking items for safekeeping, using clear language.
• Step 2: Identify their response using one of the following codes:
  • 1: Very Important – The resident strongly feels that locking items is essential for safety.
  • 2: Somewhat Important – The resident feels that while locking items may be somewhat necessary, it’s not always critical.
  • 3: Not Very Important – The resident feels locking items is mostly unnecessary.
  • 4: Not Important at All – The resident has no concern about locking personal belongings.
  • 5: Important but Can’t Do or No Choice – The resident would like to lock items but cannot due to circumstances such as unavailability of locking mechanisms.

4. Coding Tips

• Clarify Concerns: Be sure to understand if the resident has any particular concerns that influence their preference for locking items. This might involve further probing or clarifying the meaning behind their answer.
• Respect the Resident’s Autonomy: Ensure that the care plan reflects the resident's preferences even if they state that locking their belongings is not necessary.

5. Documentation

Objective: Record the resident’s response accurately to ensure their preferences are respected in daily care and routine.

Actions:

• Clearly document whether the resident feels it is important to lock their personal belongings and note any relevant details, such as concerns about theft or personal safety.
• Include any measures taken to accommodate the resident’s preference, such as providing lockable storage.

6. Common Errors to Avoid

• Assuming Preferences: Do not assume the resident’s preference based on general observations or typical behavior of others. Always ask the resident directly.
• Incomplete Documentation: Ensure that the resident’s preference, even if it seems trivial, is fully documented for future care planning.

7. Practical Application

Example 1:
A resident is very protective of their personal belongings and insists on keeping their valuables locked in a drawer. This would be coded as 1: Very important.

Example 2:
Another resident expresses no concern about locking items away, stating they feel safe in the facility. This would be coded as 4: Not important at all.

Please note that the information provided in this guide for MDS 3.0 Item set F0400H was originally based on the CMS's RAI Version 3.0 Manual, October 2023 edition. Every effort will be made to update it to the most current version. The MDS 3.0 Manual is typically updated every October. If there are no changes to the Item Set, there will be no changes to this guide. This guidance is intended to assist healthcare professionals, particularly new nurses or MDS coordinators, in understanding and applying the correct coding procedures for this specific item within MDS 3.0.  

The guide is not a substitute for professional judgment or the facility’s policies. It is crucial to stay updated with any changes or updates in the MDS 3.0 manual or relevant CMS regulations. The guide does not cover all potential scenarios and should not be used as a sole resource for MDS 3.0 coding.  

Additionally, this guide refrains from handling personal patient data and does not provide medical or legal advice. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective practices.