• Patient is at least 18 years of age.
• Patient is unable to meet nutrition needs orally due to a documented gastrointestinal /physiological and or swallow disorder(s). This should not be a condition caused by medication or substance use side effects.   
• Formula provided by SAAHENP will be administered via the feeding tube.
• Anticipated need for home enteral nutrition is at least 1 month.
• Patient agrees to entry into SAAHENP.
• Patient demonstrates the cognitive, emotional and physical ability to manage tube feeds in a safe, independent manner or has the necessary caregiver supports to assist with managing care.
• Patient has a current primary care physician who is responsible for medical follow-up.
• Enteral tube feeding will result in physiological or clinical benefit to the patient taking into account patients quality of life, values and preferences.
• Patient has an Alberta Health Care number and resides within Southern Alberta for the length of their therapy.  Note: If patient resides in Central Alberta, the patient should be referred to the program where the majority of their specialist care is being provided.  To refer a patient to the Northern Alberta Adult Home Enteral Nutrition Program (NAAHENP), please call (780) 735- 4236.
• Patient’s residence is safe and has 24 hour access to telephone, electricity, and running water.
• Patient resides in the community (e.g. home, SL1, SL2, or SL3). Patients who reside in facilities with nursing and dietitian support (e.g. SL4, LTC, rehabilitation centers) do not qualify for the SAAHENP.

Please ensure your patient meets all of the following eligibility criteria prior to sending a referral to the Home Parenteral Nutrition Program (HPNP):

• patient must be at least 18 years of age
• patient must be incapable of meeting nutritional needs orally or via gastrointestinal route
• anticipated minimum need for home parenteral nutrition is at least 1 month at home
• patient must agree to entry into SAAHPNP and be willing to adhere to SAAHPNP procedures, recommendations and to participate in regular follow-ups with the SAAHPNP team members
• patient must demonstrate the cognitive, emotional and physical ability to manage parenteral nutrition and central venous catheter care in a safe independent manner or have the necessary caregiver supports in place to assist the patient
• patient must agree to follow up home visits from a program and or home care nurse for assessment of adherence to the principles and practices of safe parenteral nutrition therapy
• patient must have a current primary care physician who is responsible for medical follow-up
• patient must be clinically stable as determined by the SAAHPNP team
• patient must have an Alberta Health Care number and reside within the Southern Alberta Boundaries (Red Deer South) and have a residence in Alberta
• patient's residence must be free of hazards, appropriate for safe and effective use of treatment, and must have 24 access to telephone, electricity, running water and refrigeration
• patient must reside in their home