In obtaining information for admission assessments, which guidance defines 'reasonable effort'?

• A. At least two attempts
• B. At least three attempts
• C. At least four attempts
• D. No minimum

Answer: (B)

Reasonable effort means you actively pursue the needed information from the right sources rather than waiting on a single contact. The guidance sets a practical minimum of three documented attempts, using reasonable methods (for example, phone calls, messages, emails, or letters) and across different times or days if needed. This ensures due diligence in gathering information for the admission assessment while keeping to a workable timeline. If information can’t be obtained after those attempts, you should document what happened and proceed with the assessment using the information gathered, or seek alternatives as appropriate. Fewer than three attempts wouldn’t meet the defined standard for reasonable effort, while requiring more than three isn’t the minimum specified, though additional attempts may occur if appropriate. Not having a minimum would weaken the demonstrated effort to obtain essential information.