F0400A: Resident Interview: Choose Clothes to Wear, Step-by-Step

Step-by-Step Coding Guide for Item Set F0400A: Resident Interview: Choose Clothes to Wear

1. Review of Medical Records

• Start by reviewing the resident’s medical records to assess cognitive function, physical abilities, and any preferences noted about clothing choices.
• Check for any documented evidence of the resident’s participation in choosing their attire, as well as any limitations or assistance required.

2. Understanding Definitions

• Choose Clothes to Wear: This item measures the resident's involvement and ability to make decisions about selecting daily clothes based on personal preference.
• It is important to differentiate between the resident's physical ability to dress independently and their cognitive or expressive ability to choose their preferred clothing.

3. Coding Instructions

• Code "0" if the resident did not participate in choosing what clothes to wear during the 7-day look-back period.
• Code "1" if the resident made decisions about what to wear at least once during the look-back period.

4. Coding Tips

• Observe the resident over several days to accurately assess their typical involvement in choosing clothes.
• Consult with caregiving staff to gather insights on the resident's usual practices and any recent changes.

5. Documentation

• Document specific instances when the resident expresses a preference or selects their clothing, including any assistance provided.
• Record any reasons or barriers if the resident does not participate in choosing their clothes.

6. Common Errors to Avoid

• Misinterpreting the resident’s physical dressing abilities as their ability to choose clothing.
• Failing to recognize non-verbal cues or alternative communication methods as valid expressions of choice.

7. Practical Application

• Example: A resident with limited verbal skills points to a blue shirt and nod when asked what they would like to wear. This indicates a choice and should be documented as the resident participating in choosing their clothes.

Please note that the information provided in this guide for MDS 3.0 Item set F0400A 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.