F0800G: Staff Assessment - Snacks Between Meals, Step-by-Step

Step-by-Step Coding Guide for Item Set F0800G: Staff Assessment - Snacks Between Meals

1. Review of Medical Records

• Objective: Gather accurate information regarding the resident’s habit of having snacks between meals.
• Steps:
  1. Collect Information: Review the resident’s comprehensive medical records, including nursing notes, dietary logs, care plans, and previous assessments.
  2. Identify Relevant Behaviors: Look for documented instances where the resident has requested or consumed snacks between meals.
  3. Confirm Details: Verify the consistency of these behaviors through various sources within the medical records.

2. Understanding Definitions

• Snacks Between Meals: Refers to any food or drink consumed by the resident outside of the regular meal times (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
• Staff Assessment: An evaluation conducted by staff members to determine the resident’s eating habits, including the frequency of snacking between meals.

3. Coding Instructions

• Steps:
  1. Assess Behavior: Observe and document the resident’s behavior related to snacking between meals during the assessment period.
  2. Determine Frequency: Identify the frequency with which the resident consumes snacks between meals using the following scale:
     • 0: Never
     • 1: Rarely
     • 2: Sometimes
     • 3: Often
     • 4: Very Often
  3. Code Appropriately: Enter the corresponding code in item set F0800G based on the observed frequency of the behavior.

4. Coding Tips

• Accurate Observation: Ensure that the assessment is conducted in a consistent and controlled environment to accurately observe the resident’s snacking habits.
• Clarify Definitions: Make sure the staff understands the definitions of frequency categories (e.g., Never, Rarely, Sometimes).
• Consistent Terminology: Use consistent terminology and phrasing when documenting and coding the resident’s behavior.

5. Documentation

• Required:
  • Observation Notes: Document the observations made during the assessment, including specific instances of the resident consuming snacks between meals.
  • Staff Reports: Include reports from staff members detailing their observations and interactions with the resident regarding snacking.
  • Assessment Summary: Summarize the resident’s snacking behavior in the assessment records, including the frequency of observed behaviors.

6. Common Errors to Avoid

• Misclassification: Ensure accurate classification by verifying the resident’s snacking behavior through multiple observations.
• Incomplete Documentation: Make sure all relevant details about the resident’s snacking habits are thoroughly documented.
• Assumptions: Do not assume the resident’s snacking behavior without proper documentation and observation.

7. Practical Application

• Example:
  • Resident Profile: Alice, an 85-year-old resident, is being assessed for her snacking habits between meals.
  • Steps:
    1. Observe Behavior: The nurse observes Alice requesting and consuming snacks several times between meals over the assessment period.
    2. Determine Frequency: Alice engages in snacking between meals often.
    3. Document and Code: The nurse documents Alice’s behavior and codes F0800G as "3".
  • Outcome: Alice’s habit of snacking between meals is accurately documented and coded, ensuring proper follow-up and inclusion in her care plan.

Please note that the information provided in this guide for MDS 3.0 Item set F0800G 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.