Failure to Maintain Required Meal Interval Between Dinner and Breakfast
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the lapse between the evening meal and breakfast the following day did not exceed 14 hours, as required. A review of the meal service schedule for all six halls revealed that the time between dinner and breakfast was consistently 14 hours and 30 minutes. This schedule was implemented starting January 1, 2025, and affected all residents on the 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 Halls. Staff interviews confirmed that the meal schedule had recently changed, resulting in the extended lapse, and that prior to the change, the facility had been in compliance with the 14-hour requirement. Further interviews with the Dining Services Director and Chef Manager indicated that while bedtime snacks were available upon resident request, these snacks were limited to packaged items such as crackers, cookies, and chips, and were not routinely provided to all residents. The Registered Dietitian was unaware of the non-compliance with the 14-hour meal interval requirement until it was brought to his attention during the survey. The Administrator also confirmed awareness of the issue after it was identified by surveyors.