OASIS · Section B
B1300 — Health Literacy
Response options, how to score it, and the error that most often sends the record back. Cited to Ch. 3, Item B1300.
Response options
| Value | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 0 | Never |
| 1 | Rarely |
| 2 | Sometimes |
| 3 | Often |
| 4 | Always |
| 7 | Patient declines to respond |
| 8 | Patient unable to respond |
How to score it
This is a patient self-report item only — ask directly, 'How often do you need to have someone help you when you read instructions, pamphlets, or other written material from your doctor or pharmacy?' Valid codes are 0 (Never) through 4 (Always), plus 7 (declines) and 8 (unable to respond); dash is not valid. No other source (proxy, caregiver) may substitute for the patient's own answer — even a family member present at the visit.
The common error
Substituting a caregiver's or family member's observation for the patient's own self-report. CMS is explicit that B1300 is patient-self-report-only, even when someone present says otherwise — a proxy answer is never a valid substitute here.
CMS Q&As on this item
All CMS Q&As on B1300Source: OASIS-E2 Guidance Manual — Ch. 3, Item B1300. Verified 2026-04-26.
Nearby Section B items
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