Unqualified Dietary Manager and Insufficient Food Service Staffing
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to employ a qualified individual to serve as the director of food service in the absence of a full-time dietitian. Record review of the Dietary Manager's (DM) employee file showed no evidence of a Dietary Manager Certificate. The DM confirmed during interview that she did not possess a dietary manager certification, had not registered for any certification classes, and cited financial constraints as the reason for not pursuing certification. The DM had been working in the dietary department for three years and was appointed as Dietary Manager in January 2025 without the required certification. Further interviews revealed that the facility's dietitian was contracted to visit only quarterly, with the last visit occurring in September. The dietitian acknowledged awareness of the DM's lack of certification and had previously provided information on online courses to both the administrator and the DM, but was unaware of any progress. The administrator also confirmed knowledge of the DM's uncertified status and lack of application for certification. The job description for the Dietary Manager required management of dietary operations in accordance with facility policies and regulations, but the DM did not meet the certification requirements.