Failure to Honor Resident Food Preference
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when the facility failed to honor a resident's documented food preference. The resident, who had diagnoses including hypertension, anemia, osteoarthritis, dementia, and muscle weakness, was admitted and assessed as having moderately impaired cognition and requiring assistance with eating. The resident's care plan and dietary notes specifically indicated a dislike for beef, and the meal ticket on the lunch tray also reflected this preference. Despite these clear indications, the resident was served beef chop suey for lunch, as observed by staff and confirmed by the resident, who stated she did not like beef. Interviews with the restorative nursing assistant, dietary supervisor, and cook revealed that the cook overlooked the meal ticket and served beef to the resident. Both the dietary supervisor and the restorative nursing assistant acknowledged that the resident's food preference should have been honored and that alternative protein options were available. Facility policy and procedure documents reviewed also confirmed the requirement to honor resident food preferences and ensure meal tickets accurately reflect these preferences.