What Is The RAI and Why Do It?

 The RAI (resident assessment instrument) helps the staff look at the clients/residents in a manner that is holistic by incorporating all disciplines involved in the everyday care. The MDS is part of the Resident Assessment Instrument.


 The RAI consists of three basic components: the MDS (minimum data set), the CAA ( care area assessments) and the RAI utilization guidelines ( which provides the instructions for when and how to use the RAI.) 


The RAI provides a method of identifying resident/client problems.  The RAI can be conceptualized using the nursing process with the 6 steps below:


The "assessment" of the resident including medical records, resident and family interviews, and staff information and observation.

The "decision making" by finding out who the resident is and putting the needs and interests of the resident at the center of care.

The "care planning" which is a course of action that moves the resident/client toward specific, individualized goals utilizing their strengths.

The "identification and outcome" that determine the expected outcomes for achieving resident goals.

The "implementation" of putting that course of action through use of the care planning process.

The "evaluation" which reviews the care plan goals, interventions and implementation assessing the outcomes and the need to adjust changes in the resident's goals.


The RAI is the catalyst to the accurate assessment of each resident/client.  The MDS 3.0 is part of that assessment and is required by CMS for Medicare (PPS) and Medicaid.


Thank you.