Failure to Employ Full-Time Certified Dietary Manager for Food and Nutrition Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to employ a full-time Certified Dietary Manager (DM) to oversee food and nutrition services for 24 residents, as required by standards of practice. Observations and interviews revealed that the DM was only scheduled to work part-time, specifically on weekends, and was not present during weekdays. Payroll records confirmed that the DM consistently worked only two days per week, with total hours well below the full-time threshold. Other dietary staff also worked limited hours, and the Registered Dietitian (RD) was employed as a consultant, working less than eight hours per week and primarily available by phone. Interviews with staff, including the DON/Infection Preventionist, confirmed that the DM was needed on a full-time basis to ensure proper menu adherence, food sanitation, and the nutritional needs of residents. Facility policies required a qualified supervisor to manage the dietary department and ensure quality food service, but these requirements were not met due to the DM's limited schedule. The lack of full-time dietary management had the potential to impact the safe and sanitary delivery of meals and the overall nutritional care of residents.