On March 20, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a memorandum emphasizing the nutrition service responsibilities of hospitals. The memo highlights the Medicare conditions of participation, which mandate that hospitals tailor menus and diets to meet the individual nutritional needs of patients based on recognized dietary practices.
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Hospitals are urged to evaluate and update their food and nutrition policies, standard menus, therapeutic protocols, and related practices to comply with the recently published 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
CMS recommends various strategies for inpatient menus, including reducing ultra-processed foods, eliminating sugar-sweetened beverages unless necessary in specific clinical circumstances, replacing refined grains with 100% whole grains, prioritizing minimally processed protein sources—including plant-based options—and focusing on a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, seafood, and healthy fats.