Altered Nutritional Status CPG

Weight has emerged as a principal screening and monitoring indicator in post-acute and long-term care (PALTC) because it is easy to measure and the measurement is reasonably accurate and reproducible, noninvasive, acceptable to most patients, and relatively inexpensive to obtain. Among patients who remain in LTC for at least 2 years, 50 - 60% experience weight change; equal numbers of patients gain and lose weight.

This CPG offers a structured approach to the recognition, assessment, treatment, and monitoring of altered nutritional status (ANS) that acknowledges the ethical implications of this condition for patients, their families, and the staff of PALTC facilities. It is intended that this CPG be helpful to those who develop and determine institutional policies and procedures and the survey processes at the federal and state levels.