F-801: Are You Staffing Your Kitchen to Code?

Smart Bites: LTC Nutrition Insights

Issue No. 5 — October 14, 2025

F-801: Are You Staffing Your Kitchen to Code?

Staffing shortages have hit every department in long-term care—but CMS doesn’t make exceptions for the dietary department.
F-801 requires that your food and nutrition services are overseen by a qualified professional and that there is sufficient staff to meet residents’ nutritional needs.

It’s not just about food being served—it’s about having the right people in the right roles to ensure quality, safety, and compliance.

 

What Does F-801 Require?

Facilities must:

  • Employ a qualified dietitian or other clinically qualified nutrition professional full-time, part-time, or on a consulting basis.

  • Have a designated full-time Director of Food and Nutrition Services, who meets one of these qualifications:

    • Certified Dietary Manager (CDM)

    • Certified Food Service Manager

    • Has completed a training program approved by CMS

    • Has 2+ years of experience and ongoing education (for those hired before Nov 28, 2016)

 

Common Survey Triggers for F-801:

  • No proof of CDM certification or grandfathering credentials for dietary manager.

  • Lack of documented oversight by a qualified dietitian.

  • Insufficient staffing to serve meals on time or per physician orders.

  • Complaints from residents about delays, cold food, or unavailable alternatives.

 

Smart Tips for F-801 Compliance:

  1. Verify and Document Credentials
    Keep copies of CDM certificates, dietitian licensure, and continuing education records on file and up to date.

  2. Include Your Dietitian in QA Meetings
    Even if contracted, your RD should regularly participate in care planning and interdisciplinary discussions—especially for residents with weight loss or diet changes.

  3. Conduct Staffing Pattern Reviews
    Compare staffing levels to meal times, delivery times, and special diet needs. Are late trays or skipped snacks a staffing issue?

  4. Train Backup Staff
    Cross-train CNAs and other support staff in basic meal service or snack delivery protocols to ensure coverage during absences or emergencies.

  5. Set a Coverage Plan for RD and Manager Absences
    A surveyor will ask: “Who’s in charge when your dietitian is off-site?” If your backup isn’t qualified or documented, you’re vulnerable.

 

Did You Know?
CMS considers F-801 a foundational tag—and may expand their review into sanitation, meal service, and diet accuracy if they find gaps in your staffing structure.

 

Stay Ahead with Smart Bites
Coming next: F-805 – Food Meets Needs: Palatable, Appealing, and Timely Meals
Have questions about staffing, compliance audits, or dietary leadership training? Contact us at info@dietarysolutions.netor visit www.dietarysolutions.net.

 

Amanda Smith