Inadequate Staffing in Food and Nutrition Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to employ staff with the appropriate competencies and skill sets to manage the food and nutrition services effectively. The Dietary Manager (DM) did not possess the necessary certification, education, or qualifications to serve as the Director of Food and Nutrition Services. During an interview, the DM revealed that she had started a course to become certified as a Dietary Manager but did not complete it after leaving her previous job. Upon being hired at the current facility, she was informed that she would need to pay for her own course, and she had begun making payments but had not yet enrolled in the required coursework. The DM provided documentation of her previous enrollment in an online course from University F, dated February 28, 2022, but there was no evidence of current enrollment. The deficiency was identified during an interview and record review, which highlighted that the DM was responsible for the overall kitchen duties, despite lacking the necessary qualifications. Although a dietician visits the facility once a month, the DM's lack of certification could place residents at risk of foodborne illness and inadequate nutrition. The report references the Food Code, U.S. Public Health Service, U.S. FDA, 2022, which requires that the person in charge be a certified food protection manager, a standard not met by the current DM.