2026 Policy & Procedure Manual: Food and Nutrition Services in Healthcare Facilities

Product Details

• Approximately 500 pages
• Hard copy manual comes with downloadable electronic materials
• See Sample Pages for full Table of Contents

Digital Access

Electronic materials are included with your purchase (one license per facility or user)

• Via your Order Confirmation email, or
• In your BDA My Account → Downloads section

Important Licensing Information

• Valid for one facility or one user only
• Additional facilities/users need to purchase their own copies

Refund Policy

Due to the nature of digital products, all sales are final and non-refundable.

Author: 

Becky Dorner, RDN, LD, FAND is President of Becky Dorner & Associates, Inc. (BDA), which provides a broad library of credible continuing professional education (CPE) programs and nutrition resources. She was President of Nutrition Consulting Services, Inc., whose dedicated team of RDNs served health care facilities in Ohio from 1983-2020.

Becky is an extensively published author and speaker who published more than 300 health care articles, manuals, and CPE programs; presented/hosted more than 700 CE programs for national, international, and state professional meetings in 5 countries and 50 states. BDA’s complimentary e-newsletter reaches an engaged audience of 40,000 health care professionals.

An active leader, Becky has held more than 20 board positions on national and state professional associations including the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy), Academy Foundation, and the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel. Honors include the Academy Medallion Award, Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and the Academy Award of Excellence in Business and Consultation.

Co-Editors:

Liz Friedrich, MPH, RD, CSG, LDN, FAND, NWCC is a registered dietitian and president of Friedrich Nutrition Consulting in Salisbury, NC which provides a variety of nutrition consulting services with a focus on gerontological nutrition. Liz is Board Certified as a Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition and is Nutrition Wound Care Certified. She has authored and co-authored numerous articles and chapters in journals, magazines and textbooks, and has served as an evidence analyst for the Academy Evidence Analysis Library.

Liz is an accomplished speaker on topics related to both older adults and wound healing. She has held numerous national and state positions for the Academy, Nutrition Entrepreneurs Dietetic Practice Group, and the North Carolina Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (NCAND). She is the recipient of two NCAND awards, the Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year and the Member of the Year.

Caryn Heller, RDN, LD is a registered dietitian nutritionist and professional chef who has worked with BD&A since 2014. Her extensive background includes food systems management and chef at upscale restaurants, country clubs, residential communities, assisted living and long term care facilities, food service vending operations, and food distribution centers. Caryn serves as adjunct faculty for Stark State College’s Dietary Manager and Dietetic Technician Programs. She is a ServSafe Certified Instructor and Proctor for the state of Ohio, and a nutrition consultant to group homes and correctional facilities throughout the state. Her knowledge of food service, food quality, and safety have been invaluable in keeping this manual up to date.

What’s New in the 2026 Edition

This edition includes extensive updates to reflect the latest regulations, standards, and best practices:
Regulatory and Standards Updates

• CMS State Operations Manual, Appendix PP (July 2025)
  MDS changes (October 2025)
  Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030
  Revised terminology from the Commission on Dietetic Registration 2025 Definitions of Terms

Expanded and New Content

• Greatly expanded Emergency/Disaster Planning chapter
  New content on Hospice Services
  Additional guidance on the CMS Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM)
  Updates aligned with 2025 International Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP) Nutrition Guidelines

New Tools and Policies

• New Sample Fluid Restriction Worksheet
• New policy on Labeling, Dating, and Use-By Dates

Federal Food Code Updates (2024 Supplement)
Includes updates such as:

• Safe storage practices to prevent contamination
• Food defense and monitoring for intentional adulteration
• Temperature control requirements for Time/Temperature Control for Saftey (TCS) foods during thawing
• Updated employee illness and return-to-work criteria
• Storage restrictions near leaks and fire protection systems
• Guidance on automated handwashing systems

Additional Improvements

• Edits and updates throughout
• Updated references and resource materials