The resource utilization grouping methodology for home care categorizes clients into clinically and statistically meaningful groups, based on data elements captured using interRAI’s Resident Assessment Instrument–Home Care (RAI-HC).
Overview of the methodology
The Resource Utilization Groups III Home Care (RUG-III-HC) is a grouping methodology that is used to categorize clients in community care organizations in Canada. Client assessment data is sorted into categories and groups based on a client’s clinical characteristics.
The RUG-III-HC job aid summarizes the hierarchy of clinical categories and their qualifications:
Accessing the methodology
The RUG-III-HC product contains SAS code and detailed flowcharts for the RUG-III-HC logic. As well, a test data file may be used to verify any Home Care Reporting System (HCRS) RUG-III-HC implementation:
As of April 2025, home care data will also be collected using the new interRAI Home Care (interRAI HC) assessment and submitted to the Integrated interRAI Reporting System (IRRS). Get the updated version of the RUG-III-HC methodology based on the interRAI HC:
- RUG-III-HC Grouping Methodology: Flowcharts and SAS Code for iCode (download)
Methodology in action
RUG-III-HC is a decision-support tool. Canadian organizations that provide community-based care to seniors can apply the RUG-III-HC grouping methodology to their assessment data. It can be used to identify peer organizations, inform resource allocation and assist with planning.
RUG-III-HC information is reported in both Quick Stats and eReporting.
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