According to CMS SOM, who prescribes therapeutic diets? (Note: physicians may delegate to another professional in alignment with state law.)

• A. Attending physicians, who may delegate to a registered dietitian the task of prescribing therapeutic diets in alignment with state law.
• B. Registered Dietitians only
• C. Nurses
• D. Pharmacists

Answer: (A)

Under CMS SOM, the physician is the one who prescribes therapeutic diets, but that authority can be delegated to a registered dietitian when allowed by state law. This setup leverages the dietitian’s specialized training in medical nutrition therapy while keeping the physician responsible for the overall treatment plan. Nurses and pharmacists generally do not have independent authority to prescribe therapeutic diets, and simply stating that a dietitian alone can prescribe ignores the required physician delegation and legal scope of practice.