The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) added to the requirements for the director of food and nutrition services at § 483.60(a)(2)(E) as part of the
FY 2023 SNF PPS rule published in August 2022. The addition now allows for another pathway for the director of food and nutrition to qualify for the position; this includes having two or more years of experience in the position of director of food and nutrition services in a nursing facility setting and has completed a course of study in food safety and management, by no later than October 1, 2023. Course topics integral to managing dietary operations include, but are not limited to, foodborne illness, sanitation procedures, and food purchasing/receiving.
CMS has noted that the course requirements are the equivalent as a ServSafe Food Manager certification. Providers need to ensure the director of food and nutrition has completed the required training by no later than October 1, 2023, in order to meet the regulation.