The Daily Living Activities functional assessment tool is designed to assess what daily living areas are impacted by mental illness or disability. The assessment tool quickly identifies where outcomes are needed so clinicians can address those functional deficits on individualized service plans. Use of this tool ensures valid scores and consistent utilization for healthcare report cards. Study findings provide evidence of the usefulness of the DLA to support the functional assessment data needs of service providers.

The DLA is intended to be used by all disabilities and ages. Developmental Disabilities and Alcohol/Drug Abuse forms are personalized for daily functional strengths and problems associated with those diagnoses. An Adult form exists for SMI and SPMI consumers over the age of 18 and a Youth form for consumers between the ages of 6 and 18.

The tool has been shown to take approximately 6 to 10 minutes to complete at the conclusion of an assessment. The information has proven value for treatment planning and estimating Axis V (Global Assessment of Functioning or GAF) of DSM IV and contributes valuable information in psychiatric approval for Medicaid reimbursement and healthcare reporting standards.

Learn more about the DLA and see some sample indicators.

Through our consultant, Willa Presmanes of MTM Services, the National Council offers in-depth training and consultation on the use of the DLA functional assessment tool for psychiatrists, clinicians, case managers, quality assurance officers, and human resource trainers. To learn how you can take advantage of these offerings, contact Jeannie Campbell at the National Council at JeannieC@thenationalcouncil.org or 202.684.3726.