April 17, 2012
Clarification of 2012–2013 NRS Specifications for Data Elements 54A and 55A
Prior to 2012–2013, NRS data elements 54A FIM® instrument (Comprehension Mode) and 55A FIM® instrument (Expression Mode) were captured only on a client’s admission record; as of 2012–2013, these elements can also be captured on discharge and follow-up assessments.
Generally speaking, coding of these two data elements is meant to be done in the same manner in which the other FIM® instrument data elements are captured. That is, they should be coded whenever other FIM® instrument elements are coded.
Specifically, these elements must be left blank for clients age 13 or younger, as with all other FIM® instrument elements. For clients older than age 13, elements 54A and 55A
- Are mandatory on admission if 19A Admission Class = 1, 2, 3 or 5 OR if any other FIM® instrument data elements (that is, elements 41 to 58) are coded on admission; otherwise 54A and 55A are optional to record.
- Are mandatory on discharge if 31 Reason for Discharge = 1 or 2 OR if any other FIM® instrument data elements (that is, elements 41 to 58) are coded on discharge; otherwise 54A and 55A are optional to record.
- Are mandatory on follow-up assessments.
The table below replace the specifications for data elements 54A and 55A on pages 156 and 158.
Specifications | |
Field Length |
1 |
Field Status |
On admission assessment, for ages greater than 13 years, mandatory unless 19A Admission Class = 4. If recorded, data elements 41–58 must be recorded. On discharge assessment, for ages greater than 13 years, mandatory to record if 31 Reason for Discharge = 1 or 2; otherwise optional to record. If recorded, data elements 41–58 must be recorded. Mandatory on follow-up assessment for ages greater than 13 years. If recorded, data elements 41–58 must be recorded. Must not be defaulted on discharge and follow-up assessments. |
Field Type |
Int |
Record/Assessment |
Admission, discharge and follow-up assessment records |
Justification |
None |
Valid Codes |
1–3 (see Legend) |
Validation |
On admission assessment, for ages greater than 13 years, if 19A Admission Class = 4, then may be spaces. On discharge assessment, for ages greater than 13 years, if 31 Reason for Discharge = 3–8, then may be spaces. Must not be spaces on follow-up assessment for ages greater than 13 years. If any one of data elements 41–58 is recorded, must not be spaces. Must be spaces for ages 0–13 years. |
Legend | |
1 |
Vocal |
2 |
Non-vocal |
3 |
Both |
Please contact the Rehabilitation program area at nrs@cihi.cawith any questions regarding the content of this bulletin.
