Are there any rules about using blanks, nulls and zeroes?
The HACC MDS Technical Guidelines explain this but in general: • Do put a zero (0) for all service totals where no such service has been provided to the client. (It is also OK to leave it blank or null). • Do leave a data item cell empty (or with a null in it) if you are not able to correctly record the code for that client for that data item, or it does not apply to that client. • Do not put spaces into the field if you do not know the correct code to use (ie do not press the space bar on your computer). Most computers will use the TAB key to move to the next field or cell. If you know that the client has not provided a response to a data item, or if the available responses are inadequate, then it is preferable to record the “Not stated, inadequately described” code instead of leaving the data item cell blank or null.
