Lack of Qualified Director for Food and Nutrition Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to employ a clinically qualified director of food and nutrition services, as required. The individual serving as the dietary manager was certified only as a Food Service Manager, a credential obtained through an eight-hour course focused on cooking sanitation, without clinical nutrition content. The dietary manager confirmed that she had not completed the Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) course, was not a Registered Dietician, had not graduated from an authorized dietetic and nutrition program, had no qualifying food service experience prior to 1990, and had not served in the military in a relevant capacity. She also stated that the facility's Registered Dietician only worked on a consultant basis and was not present in a full-time or supervisory role. All 87 residents in the facility, including at least one resident who receives nutrition solely through gastrostomy tube feedings, were affected by this deficiency, as they all rely on the facility's nutritional services. The lack of a clinically qualified director meant that the facility did not meet state requirements for oversight of its food and nutrition services, particularly in areas involving clinical nutrition needs.