R510-104-11. Medical Meals

  (1) In situations where nutritional considerations make solid foods inappropriate, the need for nutrient supplements to include medical meals (meeting the required RDI Guidelines) may be part of medical nutrition therapy recommended by a registered dietitian, registered nurse or physician, primarily when the participant cannot tolerate or digest regular meals.

  (2) Only seniors are eligible for medical meals purchased through the Nutrition Program for the Elderly (NPE) funding. Exceptions can be made for Alternatives clients under 60. Additionally, AAAs always have the discretion to use county dollars in any way they see fit.

  (3) A medical or secondary meal shall only be offered in place of regular food as the first meal. In order to receive medical meals through the Nutrition Programs for the Elderly (NPS), the following requirements must be met:

  (i) A demographic questionnaire must be completed (for the AAA records).

  (ii) A physician must issue a prescription, or a clinically based assessment must be completed by a dietician or nurse.

  (4) A medical meal distributed through the AAAs' NPE Programs must meet the 33 1/3 DRI nutrient requirements. If the medical meal is picked up by the client or client representative at a senior center, the meal will count as a congregate meal (C1) and if the medical meal is delivered to the client's home by the AAA staff, the meal will be considered a home delivered meal (C2).

  (5) The Participant may not be provided more than a one month supply of medical liquid supplement at one time.

  (6) A confidential contribution system shall be in place with a suggested donation in order to qualify the medical meal for the USDA cash-in-lieu reimbursement.