Q: If an error is found on the OASIS, what steps should be taken to fix it?
A: The OASIS is an important part of the homecare clinical record so accuracy is extremely important. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), corrections to OASIS forms are to be done no differently than corrections to any other part of the medical record. One approved method is to draw one line through the error, make the desired change, and date and initial the changes.
Although it is protocol that only the author of the document can make corrections, CMS has acknowledged that in some instances that may not be possible. If upon discovering an error, the original clinician is unable to make the needed correction, there should be documentation in the clinical record that describes the reason for the change in the assessment and the communication that took place among the involved staff. These changes should be made on a separate form, not the original OASIS.
December 1st, 2009 at 10:00 am
There is no mention here of correcting the electronic record and submitting the correction to the State so it has a correct OASIS as well. As the OASIS Automation Coord., I always advise to do a correction electronicly.