Lack of Certified Dietary Manager for Food and Nutrition Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to employ a full-time Certified Dietary Manager to oversee the food and nutrition services for its 37 residents. Observations in the kitchen revealed that dietary staff preparing meals were not certified dietary managers. Specifically, one dietary staff member confirmed she was not certified, and administrative staff later verified this information. The facility had one resident on a pureed diet at the time of the observation. According to the facility's Food Service Staffing policy, if a qualified dietitian is not full-time, another qualified nutritional professional, such as a certified dietary manager or someone with equivalent credentials, must be employed to serve as the Dietary Manager. The policy outlines specific qualifications required for this role, but the facility did not have a staff member meeting these criteria in place. This deficiency was identified through observation, record review, and staff interviews.