(a)

1. (1) If the psychiatric residential treatment facility accepts or retains residents in need of medically prescribed special diets, the menus for such diets shall be planned by a professionally qualified dietitian or shall be reviewed and approved by a physician or other authorized healthcare provider.
2. (2) The psychiatric residential treatment facility shall maintain staff capable of the preparation and serving of any special diet, such as a diabetic diet.
3. (3) The preparation of any resident’s special diet shall follow the written guidance provided by a registered dietitian, physician, or other authorized healthcare provider authorizing the resident’s special diet.
4. (4) For each resident receiving a special diet, this written guidance shall be documented in the resident’s record.

(c)

1. (1) A dietitian shall be employed on a consultative basis.

2. (2) Responsibilities of the dietitian shall be:

   1. (A) To observe the operation of the food service program and to provide suggestions for improvement based on those observations;
   2. (B) To develop and approve menus which meet acceptable nutrition standards;
   3. (C) To assist with the development and implementation of dietary policies and procedures;
   4. (D)

(i) To prepare specialized menus for residents who have orders from a physician regarding a special diet and provide instruction for the dietary staff regarding how to prepare any special food items.

1. (ii) The physician can delegate the task of prescribing therapeutic diets to a qualified registered dietitian, to the extent allowed by state law;

   1. (E) To review resident charts and counsel with a resident and his or her parent or legal guardian regarding special dietary needs;
   2. (F) To provide in-service for staff as needed;
   3. (G) To develop food service documentation procedures and review records of the documentation; and

   4. (H) To prepare quarterly quality assurance reports for review of food services.

      1. (d)
2. (1) A person designated by the administrator shall be responsible for the total food service of the psychiatric residential treatment facility.

3. (2) This person shall be responsible for:

   1. (A) Initiating food orders or requisitions;
   2. (B) Establishing specifications for food purchases and ensuring that such specifications are met;
   3. (C) Storing and handling of food;
   4. (D) Food preparation;
   5. (E) Food serving;
   6. (F) Orientation, training, and supervision of food service personnel;
   7. (G) Maintaining a current list of residents with special nutritional needs;
   8. (H) Having an effective method of recording and transmitting diet orders and changes;
   9. (I) Recording information in the resident’s record relating to special nutritional needs; and
   10. (J) Providing information on the resident’s diets to the staff.