MO HB277

Requires each hospital to designate a director of food and nutrition services who is qualified through certification by the Dietary Managers Association, registration by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, or an associate degree in dietetics or food systems management

Mandates nutritional screening within 24 hours of inpatient admission to identify at-risk patients, with intervention required within 24 hours of an at-risk screening result

Requires comprehensive nutritional assessments within 72 hours for patients identified as at nutritional risk, including height, weight, and pertinent laboratory tests

Hospitals must provide at least three meals daily with supplementary snacks and/or oral nutrition supplements as necessary, following menus planned according to recommended dietary allowances (RDA)

Food and nutrition services must comply with 19 CSR 20-1.025 Sanitation of Food Establishments, and hospitals remain responsible for compliance even when contracting out these services