Understanding and Coding MDS 3.0 Item A1300C: "Name by which resident prefers to be addressed"

Understanding and Coding MDS 3.0 Item A1300C: "Name by which resident prefers to be addressed"

Introduction

Purpose:

MDS 3.0 Item A1300C, "Name by which resident prefers to be addressed," is vital for promoting personalized care in long-term care facilities. Respecting and using a resident’s preferred name is essential for fostering a positive, respectful environment, and enhancing the resident’s sense of identity and dignity. Accurate documentation of this item ensures that all staff address the resident appropriately, contributing to a person-centered approach to care.

What is MDS Item A1300C?

Explanation:

MDS Item A1300C records the name the resident prefers to be called in daily interactions. This may differ from their legal name or the name listed on official documents. For instance, a resident named “Elizabeth” on her medical records may prefer to be called “Betty.” Recording and using the resident’s preferred name helps establish rapport, respect, and trust between the resident and the caregiving team, which is critical for delivering person-centered care.

Guidelines for Coding A1300C

Coding Instructions:

1. Resident Communication: Ask the resident directly how they prefer to be addressed. If the resident cannot communicate their preference, consult family members or close friends who know the resident well.

2. Cultural and Personal Sensitivity: Consider any cultural, familial, or personal reasons behind the resident’s preferred name. Ensure that all staff respect this preference in all interactions.

3. Response Coding: Enter the name exactly as the resident wishes to be addressed, including any nicknames, shortened versions, or alternative names. If the resident prefers to be called by a title (e.g., Mr., Mrs., Dr.), include this as well.

4. Documentation: Record the preferred name in the MDS and ensure that it is consistently used across all care plans, communication boards, and interactions by staff members.

Example Scenario:

Mr. Robert Johnson prefers to be called “Bob” by staff and caregivers. During the MDS assessment, "Bob" is recorded in Item A1300C. This ensures that all staff address him as "Bob," respecting his preference and promoting a comfortable and familiar environment.

Best Practices for Accurate Coding

Documentation:

• Clearly document the resident’s preferred name in all relevant records, and ensure that this name is used consistently across all care plans and communications.

Communication:

• Educate all staff about the importance of using the resident’s preferred name and ensure that this name is prominently displayed in the resident’s room and on any communication boards.

Training:

• Train staff on the significance of person-centered care, emphasizing the importance of addressing residents by their preferred name to enhance their well-being and sense of dignity.

Conclusion

Summary:

Accurately coding MDS Item A1300C is essential for respecting the resident’s identity and preferences. This practice supports a person-centered approach to care, where each resident is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve by being addressed in the way that feels most comfortable to them.

Click here to see a detailed Step-by-step on how to complete this item set.

Reference

This information is based on the CMS's Long-Term Care Facility Resident Assessment Instrument 3.0 User’s Manual, Version 1.19.1, October 2024, Page 2-4.

Disclaimer

Please note that the information provided in this guide for MDS 3.0 Item A1300C: "Name by which resident prefers to be addressed" was originally based on the CMS's Long-Term Care Facility Resident Assessment Instrument 3.0 User’s Manual, Version 1.19.1, October 2024. 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.