The implementation of OASIS-E2 is just ahead, scheduled for April 1, 2026. Home health agencies should start preparing now, as the changes to data items and guidance can impact workflow, documentation, and reporting. Staying informed about the updates is important for a smooth transition.
Here are some of the main item changes in OASIS-E2. Along with data set changes, there are associated guidance changes that agencies need to understand:
- Gender/Sex
- Item Change: M0069 (Gender) → A0810 (Sex)
- Guidance Update: Previous instructions referencing “If the patient does not self-identify” have been removed.
- Transportation
- Item Change: A1250 (Transportation) → A1255 (Transportation)
- Collection and Coding Updates:
- No longer “check all that apply”
- No longer collected at discharge (DC)
- Updated instructions, coding tips, and examples provided
- Patient Communication & Sensory Items
- Collection Update: These items will now also be collected at resumption of care (ROC).
- Items Affected: A1110 (Language), B0200 (Hearing), B1000 (Vision)
- Falls Since SOC/ROC
Item: J1900 (Number of Falls Since SOC/ROC)- Updates:
- Revised item descriptions
- Guidance changes from October 2025 Quarterly OASIS Q&As and January 2026 OASIS-E1 Guidance Manual Errata
- Impacts the Respecified Falls with Major Injury quality measure
- Updates:
- Retired Item: O0350 (Patient’s COVID-19 Vaccination is Up to Date)
Changes to item names or collection points, though seem minor, may affect how agencies record and report patient information. This is only a brief overview of the revisions from OASIS-E1 to OASIS-E2. More detailed descriptions and guidance can be found in the change table in Appendix D of the OASIS-E2 Draft Guidance Manual.
Preparing for OASIS-E2: What Agencies Should Focus On
Although CMS describes these updates as “minor,” the change table is over 40 pages long and can affect daily workflows. Agencies should dedicate time to review all updated items and guidance carefully for an effective implementation.
QA plays a crucial role in the OASIS-E2 transition, so it is important for QA staff to review and understand the changes in advance. This allows them to ensure that new items are functioning as intended and that data is recorded accurately according to the updated definitions and guidance. QA staff who understand the updates can also support clinicians as they adapt to new workflows, making it easier for teams to learn and apply the changes correctly. Taking this proactive approach can help maintain data quality and make the overall transition smoother for all staff.
OASIS-E2 Resources
Since last year, CMS has released several resources to help agencies prepare for OASIS-E2. Agencies should actively review these documents, which provide the updated items, guidance, and instructions needed to navigate the transition:
