Is it appropriate to compute a single composite Needs Met score from multiple domains?

• A. Yes, always combine into a single overall score
• B. No, never compute a composite score
• C. Yes, if you have permission from the client
• D. It depends on policy; many systems keep per-domain ratings and may assemble an overall synthesis; document the method and maintain transparency

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that whether you create an overall Needs Met score from multiple domains depends on policy and how clearly you can define the method. In many systems, you keep per-domain ratings to preserve what each area is showing, and you may create an overall synthesis only if there is a documented, transparent method for doing so. That means you need clear rules about how to combine domains (weighting, scaling, handling missing data) and you must document these rules so others understand how the final score is produced.

Permitting aggregation based solely on client consent isn’t enough by itself; even with consent, you still need formal policy and a transparent method. Absolute statements like “always combine” or “never combine” ignore the real-world need for governance, consistency, and clarity.