US · guidance
CMS SOM App. U, Tag R140
§403.734 Condition of Participation: Food Services
The RNHCI must have an organized food service that is directed and adequately
staffed by qualified personnel.
Interpretive Guidelines: §403.734
“Qualified personnel” is defined based on State and local laws for the provision of food
services. Food service personnel must demonstrate safe food handling (see §403.734).
The facility must provide each patient with a nourishing, palatable, well-balanced diet
that meets his or her daily nutritional and special dietary needs, taking into consideration
the preferences of the patients.
Survey Procedures:
• Review the RNHCIs policy for food services.
• Review personnel records and/or contacts related to food services and
determine if personnel are qualified.
History
Rev. 239; Issued: 04-24-26; Effective: 04-24-26; Implementation: 04-24-26
Provenance
- Source
- cms.gov
- Retrieved
- 2026-07-22
- Edition
- som-2026-07-22
- Content hash
8531f2ab800fc32a25236790e56607961d1efbe4942b94117b63d2041ba6adfe
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