Menu Cycle Not Reviewed or Approved by Registered Dietician
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to have the current menu cycle properly reviewed and approved by a registered dietician for the period specified. Review of facility policy and the registered dietician's job description indicated that the dietician is responsible for assessing the nutritional needs of the resident population, developing therapeutic diets, and making diet recommendations. However, interviews with the Dietary Manager and the Nursing Home Administrator revealed that the facility did not have a registered dietician at the time, as the previous dietician had resigned. As a result, the menus in use were not reviewed or approved by a qualified dietician as required. This lack of oversight created the potential for conflicting guidance regarding portion sizes and food product consistency for prescribed therapeutic diets. The deficiency was identified through review of facility policies, documents, observations, and staff interviews, which confirmed that the facility failed to ensure the menus met regulatory requirements for dietician approval and oversight.