P0200C. Floor mat alarm

Step-by-Step Coding Guide for P0200C. Floor mat alarm

1. Review of Medical Records

• Begin by examining the resident's medical records for any documentation indicating the use of a floor mat alarm. Focus on physician orders, nursing notes, and documentation from nursing assistants. Look for mentions within the 7-day look-back period, noting reasons for its use and any related safety incidents.

2. Understanding Definitions

• Floor Mat Alarm: A device, often a sensor pad placed on the floor beside the bed, chair, or in a doorway, that alerts staff through audible or inaudible signals when a resident steps on it. It is primarily used to monitor residents at risk of falls or wandering.

3. Coding Instructions

• Code 0 (Not Used): If the floor mat alarm was not used at any time (day or night) during the 7-day look-back period.
• Code 1 (Used Less Than Daily): If the floor mat alarm was used less than daily during the look-back period.
• Code 2 (Used Daily): If the floor mat alarm was used on a daily basis during the look-back period.

4. Coding Tips

• Confirm the floor mat alarm's usage by reviewing care plans and discussing with the care team to understand the context and frequency of use.
• Differentiate between the floor mat alarm and other monitoring devices to ensure accurate coding.

5. Documentation

• Document the type of floor mat alarm used, the rationale for its use (e.g., fall prevention, wandering monitoring), and the frequency of activation.
• Record any resident outcomes or incidents related to the floor mat alarm's use, including how staff responded to activations.

6. Common Errors to Avoid

• Inaccurate Frequency Coding: Ensure accurate documentation of how often the floor mat alarm was actually used versus being in place but not activated.
• Misclassification: Distinguish the floor mat alarm from other types of alarms (e.g., bed, chair) to avoid misclassification.
• Lack of Documentation: Avoid insufficient documentation about the decision-making process for using the floor mat alarm, including resident or family input.

7. Practical Application

• Example Scenario: A resident with dementia prone to nighttime wandering has a floor mat alarm placed beside their bed. The alarm notifies staff if the resident attempts to leave the bed, helping to prevent unsupervised exits and potential falls. The alarm was used every night during the look-back period.
  • Documentation Needed: Note the use of the floor mat alarm, including specific nights it was activated and any preventive actions taken by staff as a result.
  • Coding: For this scenario, P0200C would be coded as "2 (Used Daily)" since the alarm was part of the resident's nightly routine for safety reasons.

The Step-by-Step Coding Guide for item P0200C in MDS 3.0 Section P is based on the Long-Term Care Facility Resident Assessment Instrument 3.0 User’s Manual, Version 1.18.11, dated October 2023. Healthcare guidelines, policies, and regulations can undergo frequent updates. Therefore, healthcare professionals must ensure they are referencing the most current version of the MDS 3.0 manual. This guide aims to assist with understanding and applying the coding procedures as outlined in the referenced manual version. However, in cases where there are updates or changes to the manual after the mentioned date, users should refer to the latest version of the manual for the most accurate and up-to-date information. The guide should not substitute for professional judgment and the consultation of the latest regulatory guidelines in the healthcare field.