CMS Releases Memorandum
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released a memorandum on March 30, 2026, titled "Hospital Nutrition Service Obligations in Light of Updated Federal Nutrition Guidelines”.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released a memorandum on March 30, 2026, titled "Hospital Nutrition Service Obligations in Light of Updated Federal Nutrition Guidelines”. On April 1, 2026, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) published a statement in response. Both documents are linked here:
CMS Memorandum
Academy Response
CDM, CFPPs are an essential part of the foodservice team, partnering with RDNs and NDTRs who have translated clinical guidelines to the menus, to ensure policies and procedures are in place to deliver the appropriate nutrition to the patients, clients, and residents.
ANFP supports the statement published by the Academy on April 1, 2026, and we especially call attention to the following paragraphs:
The current (CMS) memorandum is directed specifically to hospitals and CAHs. It does not directly apply to Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) or long-term care (LTC) settings.
However, SNFs and LTC facilities are subject to their own regulatory requirements under 42 CFR §483.60 (Food and Nutrition Services), which similarly require the provision of individualized nutrition care based on resident-specific needs and recognized dietary practices.
While facilities may look to broader federal nutrition guidance, including the DGAs, to inform food service policies, SNFs and LTC providers should continue to operate within their own regulatory framework, which places strong emphasis on individualized care, clinical appropriateness, and resident preferences.
We encourage you to work with your own organizations when interpreting and implementing all regulatory guidelines, updates and memoranda. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at info@anfponline.org.
CMS Memorandum
Academy Response
CDM, CFPPs are an essential part of the foodservice team, partnering with RDNs and NDTRs who have translated clinical guidelines to the menus, to ensure policies and procedures are in place to deliver the appropriate nutrition to the patients, clients, and residents.
ANFP supports the statement published by the Academy on April 1, 2026, and we especially call attention to the following paragraphs:
The current (CMS) memorandum is directed specifically to hospitals and CAHs. It does not directly apply to Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) or long-term care (LTC) settings.
However, SNFs and LTC facilities are subject to their own regulatory requirements under 42 CFR §483.60 (Food and Nutrition Services), which similarly require the provision of individualized nutrition care based on resident-specific needs and recognized dietary practices.
While facilities may look to broader federal nutrition guidance, including the DGAs, to inform food service policies, SNFs and LTC providers should continue to operate within their own regulatory framework, which places strong emphasis on individualized care, clinical appropriateness, and resident preferences.
We encourage you to work with your own organizations when interpreting and implementing all regulatory guidelines, updates and memoranda. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at info@anfponline.org.