Section 325.20803. Nutritional needs of patients.

(1) Food and nutritional needs of a patient shall be met in accordance with the physician's orders in keeping with accepted standards of practice which includes most recent recommended  daily  dietary allowances of the food  and nutrition board of the national  research council adjusted for age, sex, and activity.

(2)   Not less than 3 meals or their equivalent shall be served daily, at regular times, with not more than a 14-hour span between a substantial evening meal and breakfast, except that when a substantial snack is served after the evening meal, this time span may be increased to 14-3/4 hours.

(3)     Therapeutic or special diets shall be provided upon  written prescription or order of the physician.

(4)   Supplementary fluids and special nourishments, as required, shall be provided.

(5)   A meal shall be prepared and served in an appetizing and sanitary manner.

(6)   A table or individual freestanding tray of table height shall be provided for a patient who is able to be out of bed to eat, but who does not go to a dining room.

History: 1981 AACS.