Minnesota Nursing Homes Dietary Regulations
Pursuant to Minnesota Administrative Rule 4658.0600, DIETARY SERVICE, Subpart 1., food quality. Food must have taste, aroma, and appearance that encourages resident consumption of food.
Subp. 2. Nutritional status. The nursing home must ensure that a resident is offered a diet which supplies the caloric and nutrient needs as determined by the comprehensive resident assessment. Substitutes of similar nutritive value must be offered to residents who refuse food served.
Subp. 3. Availability of diet manuals. The most recent edition of diet manuals must be readily available in the dietary department.
The Nursing Home Must Have a Dietary Department
Pursuant to 4658.0605, DIRECTION OF DIETARY DEPARTMENT, Subpart 1. dietitian. The nursing home must employ a qualified dietitian either full time, part time, or on a consultant basis. For purposes of this chapter, a “qualified dietitian” means a person who:
A. is registered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association;
B. is licensed under Minnesota Statutes, section 148.624; or
C. has a bachelor’s degree in dietetics, food and nutrition, or food service management plus experience in long-term care and ongoing continuing education in identification of dietary needs, and planning and implementation of dietary programs.
Subp. 2. Director of dietary service. If a qualified dietitian is not employed full time, the administrator must designate a director of dietary service who is enrolled in or has completed, at a minimum, a dietary manager course, and who receives frequently scheduled consultation from a qualified dietitian. The number of hours of consultation must be based upon the needs of the nursing home. Directors of dietary service hired before May 28, 1995, are not required to complete a dietary manager course.
According to Minnesota Administrative Rule 4658.0620, FREQUENCY OF MEALS, Subpart 1. time of meals. The nursing home must provide at least three meals daily at regular times. There must be no more than 14 hours between a substantial evening meal and breakfast the following day. A “substantial evening meal” means an offering of three or more menu items at one time, one of which is a high-quality protein such as meat, fish, eggs, or cheese.
Subp. 2. Snacks. The nursing home must offer evening snacks daily. “Offer” means having snacks available and making the resident aware of that availability.
Subp. 3. Time between meals. Up to 16 hours may elapse between a substantial evening meal and breakfast the following day if a resident group, such as the resident council, agrees to this meal span and a nourishing evening snack is provided.
Subp. 4. Dining room. Meals are to be served in a specified dining area consistent with the resident’s choice and plan of care.
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney Kenneth LaBore has decades of experience and handles the following types of elder abuse claims and others:
Infectious Disease
Infectious Diseases (MRSA, C-Diff)
Violation of Resident Rights
Patient Lift Injuries and Other Improper Use of Medical Equipment
For a Free Consultation to obtain information on how to hold negligent wrongdoers accountable from an experienced elder abuse attorney contact Minneapolis Elder Abuse Neglect Attorney Kenneth LaBore at 612-743-9048 or Toll Free at 1-888-452-6589, email: KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.