Failure to Honor Dietary Preferences
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide meals in accordance with the dietary preferences and needs of three residents, leading to a deficiency in meeting the requirements for accommodating resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences. Resident R43, who is on a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet and is at nutritional risk due to being underweight, received a fish sandwich instead of the ordered vegetarian burger. This error was confirmed by a medical supply coordinator and a dietary employee, who acknowledged the mistake and corrected it immediately. Similarly, Resident R42, who follows a vegetarian diet, did not receive the requested vegetarian meal items, as confirmed by a nurse aide and the resident's family member. Resident R19, also on a vegetarian diet, did not receive the vegetarian burger patty or any protein source with her meal, despite the availability of these items in the kitchen. The food service director could not explain why the residents' preferences were not honored, suggesting a lack of communication or awareness among the weekend kitchen staff.
Plan Of Correction
1. Resident R43 was provided with the appropriate diet for lunch. Resident R42 was provided with the appropriate diet for lunch. Resident R19 was provided with the appropriate diet for lunch. 2. Food Service Director or designee to complete an initial audit of all residents with food preferences and substitutes to ensure compliance. 3. Food Service Director or designee to re-educate all kitchen staff to ensure residents are receiving the appropriate diet and food preferences. NPE or designee to educate all nursing staff on verifying meal ticket with food tray prior to delivery. 4. Food Service Director or designee to conduct 5 random weekly audits to ensure appropriate diet and food preferences are accurate. 5. Director of Dietary or Designee to review findings monthly during the Quality Improvement Committee x 3 months.