What is defined as the Death Date in home health OASIS documentation?

• A. Actual date of patient's death at home.
• B. Date of transfer to inpatient facility.
• C. Date the patient first required hospice.
• D. Date of death declared by a coroner.

Answer: (A)

The Death Date is the actual date the patient died. This date is used to mark the end of the home health episode and is the true date of death as documented in the medical record or death certificate. It is not the date of a transfer to an inpatient facility, the date hospice care began, or the date a coroner declared death. If death occurs at home, that actual date is recorded; if it occurs elsewhere, the same actual date is used, with location noted separately if needed.