F0800L: Staff Assessment: Reading Books, Newspapers, Magazines, Step-by-Step

Step-by-Step Coding Guide for Item Set F0800L: Staff Assessment: Reading Books, Newspapers, Magazines

1. Review of Medical Records

• Objective: Gather comprehensive information on the resident's interest and ability to read books, newspapers, or magazines.
• Steps:
  1. Collect Documentation: Obtain the resident's medical history, activity participation logs, and previous assessments.
  2. Identify Relevant Information: Look for notes on the resident's cognitive and visual abilities, interests in reading, and any reported changes in reading habits.
  3. Review Activity Logs: Check records for participation in reading activities or availability of reading materials.

2. Understanding Definitions

• Reading Books, Newspapers, Magazines: Engaging in reading any printed material such as books, newspapers, or magazines.
• Staff Assessment: Evaluation conducted by facility staff to determine the resident's engagement in reading activities.

3. Coding Instructions

• Steps:
  1. Assess Resident's Reading Activity: Determine if the resident reads books, newspapers, or magazines regularly.
  2. Code Based on Findings:
     • 0: No, the resident does not read.
     • 1: Yes, the resident reads regularly.

4. Coding Tips

• Clarify the Activity: Ensure understanding that the coding is for reading any printed material, not just books.
• Consider All Forms of Reading: Include all forms of reading material such as large print books or audio books if applicable.
• Consistency in Assessment: Make sure to assess the resident consistently, considering their daily or regular reading habits.

5. Documentation

• Required:
  • Assessment Notes: Detailed notes from the assessment, including observations and the resident’s responses.
  • Activity Records: Documentation of participation in reading activities within the facility.
  • Care Plan Updates: Reflect the resident's interest in reading and any support they may need to continue this activity.

6. Common Errors to Avoid

• Assuming Participation: Do not assume the resident reads based on their background or previous activities without current assessment.
• Incomplete Documentation: Ensure all details from the assessment and any observed reading activities are thoroughly documented.
• Ignoring Barriers: Consider and document any barriers to reading such as visual impairments or cognitive decline.

7. Practical Application

• Example:
  • Resident Profile: John, a resident with a known interest in current events, has a subscription to a daily newspaper.
  • Steps:
    1. Review Records: The staff reviews John’s records and notes his subscription to a daily newspaper.
    2. Conduct Assessment: The staff member observes John regularly reading his newspaper in the morning.
    3. Document and Code: The staff documents John’s reading activity in the assessment and codes item set F0800L as "1" (Yes).

Please note that the information provided in this guide for MDS 3.0 Item set F0800L 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.