US · guidance
CMS SOM App. FC, Tag M0214
§485.914(c)(4)(vi) An assessment of intellectual functioning, memory functioning, and
orientation.
Interpretive Guidelines §485.914(c)(4)(vi)
Testing for intellectual functioning requires the use of a standardized test instrument
which assesses the client’s IQ and/or the client’s cognitive ability or function (ex:
mathematics, logical reasoning, decision making, etc.)
The comprehensive assessment evaluates the client’s short and long term memory and is
usually done through questions presented by the tester. The documentation of their
memory capability should include the method of testing and the basis for the client’s
assigned capacity.
Orientation is determined by evaluation of the level of awareness the client has for
person, place, time and situation. The assessment could be completed by a Mini-Mental
Status Examination and/or a complete neuropsychological examination. The same test
procedure (to determine orientation) should be used on all subsequent orientation tests
for the client.
History
Rev. 196, Issued: 01-10-20, Effective: 01-10-20, Implementation: 01-10-20
Provenance
- Source
- cms.gov
- Retrieved
- 2026-07-22
- Edition
- som-2026-07-22
- Content hash
235181cacce4ed0558e23783b8614f416079c4cf2883800205f9d3b802631ba1
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