Understanding and Coding MDS Item A1005E: Ethnicity - Yes, Another Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish Origin

Introduction

Purpose:
MDS Item A1005E, "Ethnicity - Yes, Another Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish Origin," is used to document whether a resident identifies as being of Hispanic, Latino/a, or Spanish origin that is not specifically categorized by other options in this section. This item allows residents to self-report their ethnicity in a manner that best represents their identity. Accurately documenting ethnicity helps ensure that care is tailored to the resident’s cultural needs and supports the creation of inclusive care plans.

What is MDS Item A1005E?

Explanation:
MDS Item A1005E is part of Section A, which captures identification information about the resident. This specific item focuses on residents who identify as being of Hispanic, Latino/a, or Spanish origin, but whose ethnicity is not listed in other items under this category. The resident may specify a different Hispanic, Latino/a, or Spanish origin that is not covered by more commonly recognized groups such as Mexican, Puerto Rican, or Cuban.

• Relevance: Ethnicity can influence health outcomes, cultural preferences, and communication styles. By documenting the resident’s ethnic identity accurately, the care team can provide culturally appropriate care and better understand any specific health risks or preferences related to the resident’s cultural background.
• Importance: Proper coding of A1005E ensures that a resident’s unique Hispanic, Latino/a, or Spanish origin is recognized and appropriately reflected in the MDS assessment, helping to create a care plan that respects the resident’s cultural background and preferences.

Guidelines for Coding MDS Item A1005E

Coding Instructions:

1. Ask the Resident About Their Ethnicity:
   The resident (or their representative) should be asked to self-identify their ethnicity. Specifically, ask if the resident identifies with any other Hispanic, Latino/a, or Spanish origin not captured by other categories in the MDS.

2. Answering A1005E:

   • Code 1 (Yes) if the resident self-reports being of another Hispanic, Latino/a, or Spanish origin not listed in other items (A1005B, A1005C, etc.).
   • Code 0 (No) if the resident does not identify as belonging to another Hispanic, Latino/a, or Spanish origin.

3. Documentation Requirements:
   Ensure the resident’s ethnicity is recorded as self-reported. If the resident identifies as being from another Hispanic, Latino/a, or Spanish origin not listed in the other categories, code A1005E appropriately. Avoid making assumptions based on the resident’s appearance or surname.

4. Verification:
   No additional verification is required beyond asking the resident or their representative directly. This is a self-reported item, and the resident's identification should be respected and recorded as stated.

Example Scenario:
Mr. González, a resident of Dominican descent, identifies as being of Hispanic origin but is not covered under the categories of Mexican, Puerto Rican, or Cuban origin. In this case, code 1 (Yes) for A1005E, as he identifies as being of another Hispanic origin, which is Dominican.

Best Practices for Accurate Coding

Respecting Resident Preferences:
Always allow the resident or their representative to self-identify their ethnicity. Do not make assumptions based on external factors such as language, surname, or appearance. Respect the resident’s preference for how they wish to identify themselves.

Communication:
Ensure that staff members conducting assessments are trained to ask demographic questions sensitively. Explain the importance of documenting ethnicity accurately and how it can help improve the quality of care for residents.

Training:
Provide training on the importance of collecting accurate demographic data. Staff should understand that documenting ethnicity can contribute to better health outcomes by informing culturally appropriate care, improving communication, and acknowledging potential health risks specific to certain ethnic groups.

Conclusion

MDS Item A1005E is crucial for documenting when a resident identifies as being of another Hispanic, Latino/a, or Spanish origin that is not otherwise captured by the standard categories. Proper coding ensures that the resident’s ethnicity is recognized and incorporated into the MDS assessment, leading to a more personalized and culturally responsive care plan. By respecting the resident’s self-identified ethnicity, healthcare providers can better meet the diverse needs of 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 A1005E, 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 A1005E: "Ethnicity - Yes, Another Hispanic, Latino/a, or Spanish Origin" 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.