Therapeutic diets must be provided in accordance with what?

Therapeutic diets must be provided based on a health care provider's order because such diets are specifically designed to meet the medical and nutritional needs of an individual. Health care providers evaluate the resident's health status, identify any dietary restrictions or requirements, and then prescribe an appropriate therapeutic diet for that person. This prescription is crucial for ensuring that the diet supports the resident's overall health condition, such as managing diabetes, hypertension, or other medical issues.

While resident preferences and family requests can be important aspects of care, they should not override the medical necessity dictated by a health care provider's orders. Guardians may play a role in caregiving decisions, especially for residents who may not be able to make decisions independently, but ultimately, the expertise of a health care provider should guide any therapeutic dietary plan. This ensures that the needs of the resident are met in a safe and health-focused manner, following the recognized protocols for medical nutrition therapy.