US · guidance
CMS SOM App. U, Tag R143
(2) Offer substitutes of similar nourishment to patients who refuse food served or
desire alternative choices.
Interpretive Guidelines: §403.734(b)(2)
Patients may request alternative choices to their meals. For instance, if the patient does
not desire to eat the meal provided due to personal preference, the RNHCI food services
must provide a comparable meal to the patient consistent with the plan of care.
Survey Procedures:
• Observe food service to determine that meals are appropriate to each patient
according to care plans.
• Ask patients how well the food meets their taste needs. Are patients offered the
opportunity to receive substitutes when refusing food on the original menu?
• Ask patients when they eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
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
01ec9687cce0fe369248582d65001736db828875ee5d5fd4ac3e8c2f5ca67aeb
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