Failure to Honor Resident Food Preferences and Provide Menu Alternatives
Penalty
Summary
A resident with a recent admission for a left humerus fracture, who was cognitively intact as indicated by a BIMS score of 15, repeatedly communicated a food preference of not eating chicken to Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs). Despite this, the resident continued to receive meals containing chicken. On one occasion, the resident informed CNA #1 that he did not eat chicken when his meal tray included chicken and dumplings, but no alternate meal was offered, and the CNA was unaware of the available menu alternative. The facility's policies required staff to elicit and respect residents' individual food preferences and to offer substitutes of similar nutritive value when a resident refused food served. The Dietary Manager acknowledged being informed of the resident's preference several days prior but failed to update the meal ticket system accordingly. As a result, the resident's food preference was not honored, and appropriate menu alternatives were not provided as required by facility policy.