1.Program Definition and Services
Meal & Nutrition Services in Indiana provide well-planned meals that meet daily nutritional requirements for residents in care facilities. Services include:
- Three well-planned meals a day, seven days a week
- Balanced distribution of daily nutritional requirements
- Consideration of food allergies and special dietary needs
- Accommodation of religious, ethnic, and personal preferences
- Temporary meal delivery to residents' rooms when needed
2. Regulations
The program is governed by:
- Indiana Administrative Code 410 IAC 16.2-5-5.1
- Indiana Code IC 16-28-1-7 and IC 16-28-1-12
3. Licensing or Certification
No specific license is mentioned for Meal & Nutrition Service providers. However, the food service department must be directed by a qualified supervisor.
4. Responsible State Agency
The Indiana Department of Health oversees Meal & Nutrition Services in care facilities.
5. Application Process
While not explicitly detailed, providers likely need to:
- Ensure compliance with state regulations
- Develop policies and procedures for meal service
- Hire qualified staff, including a food service supervisor
6. Required Documentation
Providers need to maintain:
- Menus approved by a registered dietician
- Physician orders for modified diets
- Records of food preparation and serving practices
- Staff qualifications and training records
7. Timeline for Approval
The exact timeline for approval is not specified in the provided information.
8. Pre-Application Process
Before applying, providers should:
- Develop policies and procedures for food service
- Ensure kitchen facilities meet state and local sanitation standards
- Hire qualified staff, including a food service supervisor
9. Pre-Application Training
No specific pre-application training is mentioned. However, the food service supervisor must meet specific qualifications outlined in the regulations.
10. Additional Notes
- All food must be served at safe and appropriate temperatures
- Food preparation and serving areas must comply with state and local sanitation standards
- If the food service supervisor is not a dietitian, a dietitian must provide consultant services on a regularly scheduled basis
- Diet orders must be reviewed and revised by the physician as the resident's condition requires
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