Who typically completes the LTCF InterRAI assessment?

• A. Trained clinical assessors (nurses, social workers, or designated care team members) with input from residents and caregivers
• B. Family members only
• C. Administrative staff with no clinical training
• D. External auditors

Answer: (A)

InterRAI LTCF assessments are meant to be completed by trained clinical staff who have the expertise to accurately document a resident’s health status, functional abilities, cognition, mood, pain, and other care domains. Nurses, social workers, or designated care team members conduct the assessment and gather information from the resident, with input from family or caregivers to ensure a complete and accurate picture. This combination ensures the data are reliable for care planning and decision-making. Family members can contribute important insights, but they don’t typically perform the assessment on their own because clinical judgment and standardized coding are essential. Administrative staff without clinical training aren’t equipped to assess and code the clinical items, and external auditors review records rather than complete the assessments. Thus, trained clinical assessors with resident and caregiver input are the typical completers.