CMS Issues S&C Letter Regarding New Dining Standards of Practice Resources

An interdisciplinary task force composed of national clinical organizations that set nursing home standards of practice has released Information Only: New Dining Standards of Practice Resources are Available Now , addressing dining, diets, food consistency, thickened liquids and tube feedings. This task force includes CMS along with 12 stakeholder organizations. CMS formed this task force in 2011 based on recommendations from the 2010 CMS/Pioneer Network symposium on food and dining.

While issued as guidance, CMS emphasizes that their surveyors review Quality of Care compliance based on standards of practice. Therefore, CMS is recommending that all long term care surveyors and supervisors incorporate these new standards as part of the survey process. This issue has been particularly significant to many of our members who look to identify and support resident and family preferences, but are frequently questioned by the survey team with regard to the handling of these quality of life issues. The S&C letter also contains a link to a video on the subject.

Contact: Elliott Frost, efrost@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8832