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Greetings!
This issue brings you survey alert information to help you determine if the qualifications of your dietary supervisors meet California regulations. |
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Survey Alert: DSS Qualifications |
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California law requires that if a health facility employs a dietitian less than full time, then the facility will employ a full-time dietetic services supervisor. The dietetic services supervisor educational requirements can be found here.
Until just a few years ago, the most common qualification of California dietary supervisors was completion of a state-approved 90 or more hour program through a California community college. CDPH subsequently changed the required curriculum for the programs at the community colleges, and many colleges dropped their programs.
Surveyors are being directed to verify the qualifications of the DSS during annual surveys using "smart tools" that the CDPH has distributed to them. Among these tools is a list of "State-Approved DSS Programs/Community Colleges" currently offered at California community colleges. Surveyor's direction from CDPH is that if the DSS has completed a program that is not on the current list of State-Approved community college programs, then they must have a certified dietary manager (CDM) credential.
This is a misinterpretation of the current routes for DSS qualification. Facilities are being incorrectly cited in survey for an unqualified DSS when their DSS received a certificate from a state-approved program that no longer exists. Some fully qualified DSS' may have certificates from a California community college that date back to the 1970's or 1980's. While thier program may have closed, they are still fully qualified. Be aware that CDPH surveyors (whether dietitians or nurse evaluators) will closely review the DSS certificate and qualifications. Surveyors depending on the "smart tool" for DSS qualifications will need our help with the critical thinking to determine the correct verification. |
| RD Tip |
Be proactive at your healthcare communities and verify the DSS qualifications. This survey deficiency can easily be avoided if the proper qualifications have been verified and are readily available before survey in the personnel file. When you start a new account, or a new DSS is hired, check the DSS qualifications. Ask to see their certificate from a California state-approved program, or if they are a CDM, ask to see their CDM card. Verify that their CDM credential is active. Go to www.dmaonline.org and click on the Employers tab, then find "VERIFY credentials of your CDM, CFPP" in red letters. You will need to enter and submit their CDM number. CDMs will also need to have a certificate of completion of 6 hours of inservice training on California Title 22 dietary regulations if they did not attend a California state-approved program for their training. |
| Dear Dietitian |
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Feel free to contact me for questions regarding your dietary supervisor qualifications. If you have experienced an issue in survey with the qualifications of your dietary supervisor, we want to hear about it! We can help you guide the facility through the verification process before survey, or during if needed.
Judy Morgan, MBA, RD
Editor |
