Failure to Employ a Qualified Registered Dietitian
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to employ a qualified Registered Dietitian (RD) to oversee the food and nutrition service, as required. During the survey, staff interviews and document reviews revealed that the facility had been without an RD for approximately two months. The Dietary Manager confirmed the absence of an RD and stated that she communicated with the MDS nurse regarding residents' diets. However, the MDS Coordinator reported that she did not communicate with the Dietary Manager about residents' diets. The facility was unable to provide a job description for the RD position, and the only documentation available described the Dietary Manager's role as assisting the Dietitian. Further interviews indicated confusion among facility leadership regarding the RD's status. The Administrator initially believed the former RD was still offering support until a replacement was hired, but the former RD clarified that her last day was over two months prior and she was no longer affiliated with the facility. The Administrator was unaware that there was no RD currently serving the facility and could not confirm any interim coverage. The Building Manager, involved in a change of company ownership, was also unaware that the RD's contract had ended. This lack of a qualified RD had the potential to affect the nutritional needs and quality of life for the 56 residents in the facility.