Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. CLIENT NUTRITIONAL STATUS POLICY: Upon the initial assessment reassessment, information will be solicited to determine if referral to a Registered Dietitian is needed. Physician will be notified of need for nutritional assessment and orders received. PURPOSE: 1. Identify clients who are at risk for poor or inadequate nutritional health. 2. Identify the need for further assessment by a Registered Dietician. 3. To ensure all client needs are identified and met. PROCEDURE: 1. Upon admission the nurse will assess client * s nutritional needs using Nutritional Status Form (included in the OASIS comprehensive assessment). 2. The data collected will be evaluated and if appropriate physician will be contacted for orders and referral to a Registered Dietitian for assessment. 3. A Registered Dietitian complete nutritional assessment with recommendations. 4. The Registered Dietitian calls the physician with the results, and findings. Orders will be received * by the agency and changes instituted in the care planning process of the client. The following criteria may be used to help identify clients who are at risk for nutritional deficiencies: 1. Client who are on medically prescribed diets 2. Clients whose problems or needs are nutrition related 3. Clients with open wounds 4. Elderly clients who live alone and are dependent for meal preparation, grocery shopping, and feeding and/or have no family or social support system 5. Clients who have experienced significant weight loss or weight gain within a specified period of time 6. Clients whose need for enteral therapy suddenly increased or decreases. L-13 Home Health Agency Client Assessments