Unqualified Food Service Supervisor in Food and Nutrition Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to employ staff with the appropriate competencies and skill sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service, as required by regulations. Specifically, the Food Service Supervisor (FSS) did not possess the necessary certification, education, or qualifications to serve as the Director of Food and Nutrition Services. The FSS was not a certified dietary manager or certified food service manager, did not have an associate's or higher degree in food service management or hospitality, and lacked two or more years of experience in the position of director of food and nutrition services in a nursing facility setting. Although the FSS had completed a course of study in food safety management, he had not yet taken the exam to become a certified dietary manager and was therefore not eligible for certification at the time of the survey. Interviews with facility staff confirmed that the FSS assumed the position without meeting the required qualifications, and the Administrator was aware of this deficiency. The FSS consulted periodically with a registered dietitian, but the dietitian was not employed full-time by the facility. The lack of appropriately qualified leadership in the food and nutrition service could impact the facility's ability to ensure food safety and adequate nutrition for residents, as required by federal regulations and the Food Code.