Failure to Provide Ethnic Food Options for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide food options that accommodated the ethnic preferences of a resident whose primary language was Spanish and who had a history of major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder. The resident was cognitively intact and had documented meal refusals, with nutritional assessments indicating that these refusals were likely due to disliking the food provided by the facility. The facility's menu review showed that out of 21 meals in a week, only one meal was a Latino food option, and the only alternative considered Latino was a cheese quesadilla. Interviews with the resident confirmed dissatisfaction with the lack of Latino food options, leading to meal refusals and emotional distress. The Dietary Services Supervisor acknowledged that there was a significant Latino resident population and that requests for more Latino food options had been made. The facility's policy required offering a variety of foods at each scheduled mealtime, but the current menu did not reflect the ethnic preferences of the resident. The deficiency was identified through interviews, record reviews, and menu analysis, all indicating that the facility did not adequately honor the resident's cultural food preferences.