This letter from CMS outlines the requirements for therapeutic diets prescribed by attending physicians or delegated registered/licensed dietitians. Therapeutic diets must be prescribed by the attending physician or delegated by the physician to a registered or licensed dietitian, which must be allowed by state law. The physician is responsible for the resident's care even if the task is delegated. The letter also defines "therapeutic diet" and "mechanically altered diet" and provides probes and potential tags for further investigation. Nursing homes and healthcare facilities must ensure that therapeutic diets are prescribed by the attending physician or delegated to a registered or licensed dietitian, as allowed by state law. The physician must supervise the dietitian and remain responsible for the resident's care. Additionally, they must monitor the resident's nutritional status and ensure that any therapeutic diets are appropriate for the resident's condition.

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