CMS SOM App. PP, Tag F948

A facility must not use any individual working in the facility as a paid feeding

assistant unless that individual has successfully completed a State-approved training

program for feeding assistants, as specified in §483.160.

DEFINITION §483.95(h)

Paid feeding assistant is defined in the regulation at 42 CFR 488.301 as “an individual

who meets the requirements specified in §483.60(h)(1) of this chapter and who is paid to

feed residents by a facility, or who is used under an arrangement with another agency or

organization.”

GUIDANCE §483.95(h)

A State-approved training course for paid feeding assistants must include, at a minimum,

8 hours of training in the following:

• Feeding techniques.

• Assistance with feeding and hydration.

• Communication and interpersonal skills.

• Appropriate responses to resident behavior.

• Safety and emergency procedures, including the Heimlich maneuver.

• Infection control.

• Resident rights.

• Recognizing changes in residents that are inconsistent with their normal behavior

and the importance of reporting those changes to the supervisory nurse.

A facility must maintain a record of all individuals, used by the facility as feeding

assistants, who have successfully completed the training course for paid feeding

assistants.

PROBES §483.95(h)

• Were paid feeding assistants observed working with residents in a manner that

indicates a training need?

• Did interviews with residents and/or resident representatives indicate any areas

where training was needed?

• What type of training do the paid feeding assistants report receiving about the

concern or deficient practice identified by the surveyor?

• If the facility is using paid feeding assistants and the residents requiring assistance

with eating are determined to have avoidable negative nutritional outcomes,

request proof that the paid feeding assistants successfully completed a State-approved training program.

Tag 948 is only to be cited if it is determined the paid feeding assistant(s) has not

completed a State-approved training program as specified in §483.160. It is not required

to have an outcome deficiency cited for this tag to be cited related to staff training.

POTENTIAL TAGS FOR ADDITIONAL INVESTIGATION

If concerns related to the performance of the paid feeding assistant are identified, see 42

CFR §483.60(h) Paid Feeding Assistants, tag F811, for guidance.