Failure to Provide Diet Consistent with Resident's Medical and Religious Needs
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with a renal diet and strict religious dietary restrictions against pork or pork by-products was not provided meals in accordance with these requirements. Despite clear documentation on the resident's meal ticket and care plan specifying a renal diet, no added salt, no pork or pork by-products, and fluid restrictions, the resident was served a hot dog containing both beef and pork, as well as other menu items not aligned with their dietary needs. The Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) confirmed that dietary staff were not following the listed dietary restrictions, and the product label for the hot dogs revealed they contained a beef and pork blend, contrary to the resident's requirements. The resident expressed dissatisfaction and an inability to eat the provided food due to these issues. Further observations showed the resident was again served breakfast items that did not comply with their dietary restrictions, including a banana and orange juice, despite the meal ticket specifying no citrus or banana. The resident left some items uneaten, stating they could not consume them. Interviews with the resident's Power of Attorney confirmed the importance of adhering to the dietary restrictions for religious reasons, and the CDM acknowledged that appropriate meal options were not provided. The resident's medical history included nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage, dysphasia, malnutrition, and dependence on renal dialysis, making adherence to dietary requirements critical.