Dietary Manager Lacked Required Certification and Training
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the Dietary Manager (DM) met federal, California, and facility standards for the position. The DM had not completed the Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) program, despite having started work in December 2024 and the program being purchased in January 2025. The DM was working full-time in the role without the required certification. The facility's job description for the DM position required a bachelor's degree in nutrition or dietary management and certification as a Dietary Manager or comparable credential in the state. Additionally, the Registered Dietitian (RD) at the facility was primarily responsible for clinical nutrition tasks, such as assessments and care planning, and only performed monthly inspections and meal observations in the kitchen. California Health and Safety Code 1265.4 requires that if a facility does not employ a full-time registered dietitian to manage the kitchen, a full-time Dietary Manager with specific qualifications must be employed. The DM had not met these qualifications, including completion of an approved training program and maintaining certification, as well as receiving required in-service training prior to assuming full-time duties.