FAQ
Q: What is a Registered Dietitian?
A: As defined by the American Dietetic Association (ADA) the letters “RD” after a person’s name signify that he/she has completed academic and experience requirements established by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, the credentialing agency for the ADA, including a minimum of a bachelor’s degree granted by a U.S. regionally accredited college/university, or equivalent, and an accredited preprofessional experience program. RD’s demonstrate their knowledge of food and nutrition by passing a national credentialing exam and by completing ongoing professional development.
Q: Why is food safety training so important?
A: Proper food handling is necessary to prevent people from becoming sick from food-borne illnesses caused by bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria, and by viruses such as Hepatitis B. Food safety training for food service staff should include how to purchase, receive, store, prepare and serve food properly, as well as how to properly clean and sanitize. Effective food safety training is essential to keeping your customers, residents and/or patients safe.
Q: Is there a specific number of hours required for a Consultant Dietitian in a nursing home in the state of Florida?
A: No. The federal staffing regulation (F361) states that the facility must employ a qualified dietitian either full-time, part-time or on a consulting basis. If a qualified dietitian is not employed part or full time, the facility must receive frequently scheduled visits from a qualified dietitian. The state of Florida nursing home licensure law does not have any requirement for a minimum number RD hours. Even though there is no specific guideline in the regulations for determining the amount of time a qualified consultant dietitian should spend in the facility, there needs to be a careful risk evaluation to assure there is adequate time to properly plan implement and monitor dietary department activities and to assess resident care delivery systems. The following should be considered:
- Facility size and number of admissions and re-admissions
- Acuity level of residents such as number of residents with wounds, feeding tubes, dialysis treatment and prevalence of weight loss and dehydration
- Facility’s staffing for clinical and food service (i.e. Number and Competency)
Q: I am in the process of opening an Assisted Living Facility in Florida. Do I need the services of a dietitian to approve my menu?
A: Yes, as per Florida Administrative Code Chapter 58A-5.020(c): All regular and therapeutic menus to be used by the facility shall be reviewed annually by a Registered Dietitian, Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist or by a Dietetic Technician supervised by a Registered Dietitian or Licensed Dietitian/ Nutritionist, to ensure that the meals are commensurate with the nutritional standards established in this rule.