Dietary Services
Definition: The food and nutrition services a nursing home provides to meet each resident's nutritional needs, preferences, and physician-ordered diets. Must be supervised by a qualified dietitian.
In Practice
Dietary services are examined during every annual survey. Surveyors observe meal preparation, food temperatures, sanitation practices, and resident dining experiences. They review nutritional assessments, weight records, and dietary interventions. Common citations involve food temperature violations, inadequate therapeutic diet compliance, and failure to honor resident preferences.