RE: ARD Clarification

[Connie L. Frank]

I always believed that I was perfectly clear regarding the use of the ARD and accurate data coding. Due to discrepancies in RAC interpretations and procedures at different facilities, however, I always find myself second guessing. Ex. Continence assessments – If a bowel/ bladder baseline is done by CNAs , followed by an assessment/ summation  and determination by RN/ LPN re protocol and care plan and then recapped by RAC for MDS and /or raps. What of this should be completed prior to midnight of the ARD date? Ex. Hydration, safety, pain, skin integrity assessments – forms completed by unit nurse and recapped by RAC for MDS and /or raps. What should the completion date of the Assessment be in relation to the ARD date?   I am truly not as na�ve as this question entails, as I am VERY clear that the MDS and rap completion should not be completed prior to midnight on the ARD date. (in spite of what many facilities have done over the years routinely) But it is also unrealistic to think that the assessments that are completed during the assessment period can be completed at 11:59pm on the ARD to ensure accuracy and be able to be used or gleaned for the MDS. What are you all really doing out there? Or are your assessments all really written or summated after that magical ARD date…..or before? MDS being a first source document in Wisconsin leads me to believe that the great majority of data was never in the medical record before you put it there after the ARD…..   I realize some of you are really sick of this subject, so in order to avoid overwhelming the general population, please feel free to email me personally at [EMAIL PROTECTED]   Thank you! Connie