M2020 — Management of Oral Medications
Response options, how to score it, and the error that most often sends the record back. Cited to Ch. 3, Item M2020.
Response options
| Value | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 0 | Able to independently take the correct oral medication(s) and proper dosage(s) at the correct times |
| 1 | Able to take medication(s) at the correct times if individual dosages are prepared in advance by another person |
| 2 | Able to take medication(s) at the correct times if given reminders by another person at the appropriate times |
| 3 | Unable to take medication unless administered by another person |
| NA | No oral medications prescribed |
How to score it
Assess the patient's ability to self-administer oral medications at the correct time and dosage without prompting. Score based on usual performance. If no oral medications are prescribed, select NA. Pre-filled pill organizers count as 'advance preparation' for response 1.
The common error
Scoring '0' (independent) for a patient who uses a pre-filled pill organizer prepared by a caregiver — that patient should be scored '1'. Also: scoring N/A when the patient has PRN (as-needed) oral medications.
Source: OASIS-E2 Guidance Manual — Ch. 3, Item M2020. Verified 2026-04-26.
Nearby Section M items
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