Failure to Accommodate Religious Dietary Restrictions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to honor a resident's religious dietary preferences by not providing a suitable substitute meal when pork was served, despite documentation indicating the resident could not consume pork products. During a lunch meal service, the Dietary Manager initially prepared a tray containing breaded pork for the resident. After being informed by the Assistant Director of Nursing that the resident could not eat pork, the pork was removed, but the plate was returned with only rice and green vegetables and no substitute entrée. The resident was then offered cold cereal as a substitute, which was not their preferred choice. The resident later expressed frustration, stating that pork is regularly served to them despite their religious restrictions and that they are not always aware of what substitutes are available. Record review showed that pork was frequently included in the facility's menu, and the resident's menu card clearly indicated a restriction against pork. Interviews with staff revealed that while a preference list is maintained and residents are expected to annotate substitutes, the kitchen staff did not always catch dietary restrictions, and suitable alternatives were not always prepared in advance. The resident, who is cognitively intact and has a diagnosis of liver cell carcinoma, reported feeling that their preferences and religious needs were not respected during meal service.