Failure to Provide Meal According to Resident Preferences
Penalty
Summary
A resident with severe cognitive impairment, as indicated by a BIMS score of 0 out of 15 on the Minimum Data Set assessment, did not receive a lunch tray prepared according to their documented meal preferences. Specifically, the resident's meal tray card listed a preference for an extra portion of protein, along with pickles, crackers, and soup. However, during an observation, the meal tray was prepared and placed on the cart for delivery without the extra protein portion as specified. During an interview and observation, both the Registered Dietitian and Dietary Manager confirmed that the resident was not provided with the double protein portion, as evidenced by a photo and the meal tray card. The Dietary Manager acknowledged the importance of honoring resident meal preferences, stating it is a resident's right. Facility policy requires staff to accommodate resident food preferences whenever possible, with documentation required if preferences cannot be met, but there was no indication that such documentation or justification was provided in this case.