07/30/2026

You Asked... We Answered

You Asked: Does breakfast have to be served within 14 hours of the dinner?

We Answered: The timeliness of breakfast depends on whether the facility qualifies for the CMS exception. Without a nourishing bedtime snack, breakfast must be served within 14 hours of the substantial evening meal. If a nourishing bedtime snack is served and the resident group agrees to the schedule, the interval may be extended to 16 hours. This requirement is found in SOM Appendix PP and in federal code §483.60(f)(2).