Understanding and Coding MDS Item A1010N: Race - Other Pacific Islander

Understanding and Coding MDS Item A1010N: Race - Other Pacific Islander

Introduction

Purpose:
MDS Item A1010N, "Race - Other Pacific Islander," is used to document whether a resident self-identifies as Pacific Islander as part of the MDS 3.0 assessment. Collecting accurate racial demographic data ensures that long-term care facilities provide culturally competent care and consider the unique health needs of residents from various racial backgrounds. Documenting a resident’s race contributes to creating a care plan that respects their cultural identity and addresses any specific healthcare concerns related to their background.

What is MDS Item A1010N?

Explanation:
MDS Item A1010N is part of Section A, which captures identification information about the resident. This specific item focuses on whether the resident identifies as Pacific Islander other than the more commonly categorized groups. It includes individuals with origins in the Pacific Islands, such as those from Polynesia, Micronesia, or Melanesia but excludes Native Hawaiian (covered by a different MDS item).

Individuals who identify as Other Pacific Islander may have roots in countries such as Fiji, Tonga, Guam, Palau, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands.

• Relevance: Racial identity is important in healthcare, as it may impact communication styles, cultural health practices, and preferences. Understanding a resident’s racial background helps healthcare providers tailor care to meet their cultural needs and recognize health risks prevalent in certain racial groups.
• Importance: Proper coding of A1010N ensures that the resident’s racial identity as Pacific Islander is accurately reflected in the MDS assessment, helping the care team provide culturally sensitive care.

Guidelines for Coding MDS Item A1010N

Coding Instructions:

1. Ask the Resident About Their Race:
   The resident (or their representative) should be asked to self-identify their race. Specifically, ask if they identify as Other Pacific Islander. Racial identity is self-reported, meaning the resident or their representative provides the answer.

2. Answering A1010N:

   • Code 1 (Yes) if the resident self-reports their race as Other Pacific Islander, such as being of Samoan, Fijian, or Tongan descent.
   • Code 0 (No) if the resident does not identify as Other Pacific Islander.

3. Documentation Requirements:
   Ensure that the resident’s race is recorded exactly as self-reported. Avoid assumptions based on appearance or language. The resident’s race should come directly from them or their representative.

4. Verification:
   No additional verification is needed beyond asking the resident directly. Racial identity is self-reported, and it is important to respect the resident’s choice in how they identify themselves.

Example Scenario:
Mr. Taufa, a 67-year-old resident, identifies as being of Tongan descent. When asked about his race during the MDS assessment, he states that he is of Pacific Islander origin. In this case, code 1 (Yes) for A1010N.

Best Practices for Accurate Coding

Respecting Resident Preferences:
Always allow the resident or their representative to self-identify their race. Do not make assumptions based on appearance, name, or other external factors. It is essential to respect the resident’s self-identified racial background.

Communication:
Ensure that staff members conducting assessments are trained to ask demographic questions in a culturally sensitive and respectful manner. Explaining the importance of collecting this information can help residents feel more comfortable sharing their identity.

Training:
Provide staff training on the significance of collecting racial demographic data and understanding the cultural preferences and health risks associated with specific racial groups. Some Pacific Islander populations may have higher risks for conditions like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, which should be considered when creating the resident’s care plan.

Conclusion

MDS Item A1010N is crucial for documenting whether a resident identifies as Other Pacific Islander. Proper coding ensures that the resident’s racial identity is accurately reflected in the MDS assessment, supporting culturally competent care and personalized health interventions. By allowing residents to self-identify their race, healthcare providers can better meet the diverse needs of long-term care residents.

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

Reference

For more detailed guidelines on coding MDS Item A1010N, refer to the CMS’s Long-Term Care Facility Resident Assessment Instrument 3.0 User’s Manual, Version 1.19.1, October 2024, Chapter 3, Section A, Page 3-5.

Disclaimer

Please note that the information provided in this guide for MDS 3.0 Item A1010N: "Race - Other Pacific Islander" 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.