Failure to Provide Timely Dental Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide timely dental services for Resident R45, who was admitted with a dental abscess requiring immediate attention. A physician ordered a dental consult as soon as possible on 11/26/24, and the resident was placed on antibiotic therapy for the infection. Despite the improvement in symptoms with antibiotic treatment, the resident's clinical records did not indicate that the dental services were provided as ordered. The resident continued to experience dental issues, as noted in progress notes, with decayed and chipped teeth awaiting a dental appointment. The delay in providing dental services was attributed to the resident's pending medical assistance status, which prevented scheduling an appointment outside the facility. The facility's dental provider required payment on the day of services, complicating the situation further. Interviews with facility staff confirmed that the resident was not seen by a dentist due to these financial and logistical barriers, resulting in a failure to meet the requirement for timely dental care.
Plan Of Correction
R45 was offered but refused dental services (1/8/2025). Other residents with no payor were audited to determine if they had any urgent dental needs. DON or designee will audit dental services needs weekly x4 weeks then monthly x2 months. Audit results will be reviewed through the monthly QAPI process.