10A NCAC 13B .4705      NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT

(a)  The administration of the nutritional support shall be directed by a qualified dietitian. Observations and information pertinent to nutrition therapy shall be documented in the medical record of the patient.

(b)  The facility shall have a current nutrition care manual accessible to hospital personnel. The nutrition care manual shall be reviewed every three years, revised as necessary by a qualified dietitian, and approved jointly by the nutrition service and medical staff.

(c)  Therapeutic diets and enteral and parenteral nutrition therapy shall be prescribed in written orders on the medical records and provided as ordered.

(d)  The nutrition care manual shall reflect the standards for nutrition care in accordance with those referenced in the most current edition of "Recommended Dietary Allowance" of the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences which are hereby incorporated by reference. These standards include any subsequent amendments and editions of the referenced material and are available from the National Academy Press, 2101 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Lockbox 285, Washington, D.C. 20055 at a cost of six dollars ($6.00) per copy. The nutrition deficiencies of any modified diet that is not in compliance with the recommended dietary allowances shall be specified in the nutrition care manual.

(e)  The qualified dietitian shall be responsible for the development of a nutritional care plan in compliance with medical staff's orders to meet the nutritional needs of the patient. The nutrition care plan shall be included in the medical record of the patient on his discharge plan and transfer orders to the extent necessary for continuity of care. Facilities with long term care units shall have at least a three week menu cycle in the long term care units.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 131E-79;

RRC objection due to lack of statutory authority Eff. July 13, 1995;

Eff. January 1, 1996;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. July 22, 2017.