- (1) The REH shall have appropriate food and beverages available for the patients and shall be responsible for meeting the nutritional needs of patients.
- (2) The REH may, at its discretion, make available food and beverage service to staff and visitors. The available food and beverage service areas must be maintained in a clean and sanitary manner.
(3) Facilities admitting patients for periods in excess of 12 hours shall meet the requirements of Ala. Admin. Code r. 420-5-2-.04(4)(e), and the following requirements, which are in addition to and not in lieu of requirements set forth elsewhere in these rules:
(a) Dietary Services.
- 1. In the event that meals are prepared in the facility, the facility shall have organized dietary services that are directed and staffed by adequate qualified personnel, including a qualified food service manager and consultation by a licensed registered dietician as required to meet the dietary needs of the patients. 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. In the event that food is prepared outside the facility, such food preparation shall be performed only by facilities which meet the requirements of Alabama Administrative Code, Chapter 420-3-14, Food Service Sanitation. In addition, the REH must provide a food preparation area with:
• Double sink, if disposables are not utilized at all times.
• Microwave oven.
• Refrigerator.
• Hand-washing sink.
• Counter space.
• Towel cabinet.
• Soap dispenser.
• Garbage cans with cover.
• Coffee maker.
• Storage area for silverware and cutlery, if disposables are not utilized at all times.
- 3. In all facilities, a floor pantry or diet kitchen readily available to the nursing unit shall be provided. The equipment provided shall be sufficient to furnish ice and between-meal nourishment to patients.
Author: Dana H. Billingsley
Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§22-21-20, et seq
History: New Rule: Published August 31, 2023; effective October 15, 2023.