M1710 — When Confused (Reported or Observed)
Response options, how to score it, and the error that most often sends the record back. Cited to Ch. 3, Item M1710.
Response options
| Value | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 0 | Never |
| 1 | In new or complex situations only |
| 2 | On awakening or at night only |
| 3 | During the day and evening, but not constantly |
| 4 | Constantly |
| NA | Patient nonresponsive |
How to score it
Interview the patient and/or caregiver and review referral information, assessing specifically for confusion in the 14 days immediately preceding the SOC/ROC date (the SOC/ROC date counts as day 0). Code 0, Never, if there was no confusion in that window. Code 1 if confusion was isolated to new or complex situations only. Code 4, Constantly, only if confusion was present at all times during the entire 14 days. Code NA, Patient nonresponsive, only if the patient is nonresponsive at assessment and the caregiver or other source cannot supply the information either. Dash is not a valid response for this item.
The common error
Coding NA, Patient nonresponsive, without first attempting to elicit the confusion history from a caregiver or other source — CMS's coding tip requires that attempt; NA is reserved for when no source at all, including the caregiver, can supply the information.
Source: OASIS-E2 Guidance Manual — Ch. 3, Item M1710. Verified 2026-04-26.
Nearby Section M items
The monthly home health regs digest
What CMS changed, what's due next, and what to do about it — one email a month, no fluff.