Ala. Admin. Code r. 420-5-7-.14

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 420-5-7-.14 - Food Dietetic Services

(1) The hospital shall have organized dietary services that are directed and staffed by adequate qualified personnel. However, a hospital that has a contract with an outside food management company may meet the requirements of this rule if the company has a dietitian who serves the hospital on a full-time, part-time, or consultant basis, and if the company maintains at least the minimum standards specified in this rule and provides for constant liaison with the hospital medical staff for recommendations on dietetic policies affecting patient treatment.

(2) Organization.

(a) The hospital shall have a full-time employee who:

1. Serves as director of the food and dietetic service;

2. Is responsible for the daily management of the dietary services; and

3. Is qualified by experience or training.

(b) There shall be a qualified dietitian, full-time, part-time, or on a consultant basis.

(c) There shall be administrative and technical personnel competent in their respective duties.

(3) Diets. Menus shall meet the needs of the patients.

(a) Therapeutic diets shall be prescribed by the practitioner or practitioners responsible for the care of the patients or by a dietitian licensed by the Alabama Board of Examiners for Dietetics and Nutritionists as authorized by the medical staff.

(b) Nutritional needs shall be met in accordance with recognized dietary practices and in accordance with orders of the practitioner or practitioners responsible for the care of the patients or by a dietician licensed by the Alabama Board of Examiners for Dietetics and Nutritionists as authorized by the medical staff.

(c) A current therapeutic diet manual approved by the dietitian and medical staff shall be readily available to all medical, nursing, and food service personnel.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 420-5-7-.14

Filed September 1, 1982. Repealed and New Rule: Filed November 18, 1994; effective December 23, 1994. Repealed and New Rule: Filed August 24, 2012; effective September 28, 2012.

Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XL, Issue No. 06, March 31, 2022, eff. 5/14/2022.

Author: W.T. Geary, Jr., M.D., Carter Sims, Dana Billingsley

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 22-21-20, et seq.