Failure to Provide Necessary Dental Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary dental services for a resident who was observed to have visible black and decayed lower teeth with multiple teeth missing. The resident, who had been admitted to the facility in 2018, stated she did not recall seeing a dentist since her admission. A review of her clinical records revealed that her last confirmed dental visit was in 2019, despite a care plan initiated in 2019 indicating the need for dental care coordination due to oral health problems related to poor nutrition and dentition. A facility 'Request for Service' form from 2023 showed the resident expressed a desire to be seen for dental care, yet there was no evidence of any dental appointments being made or attended since 2019. The Nursing Home Administrator confirmed the lack of coordinated dental services for the resident since 2019. An email from the facility's dental provider dated January 2025 indicated the resident was only recently added to the list for the next dental visit, highlighting the facility's failure to ensure timely dental care for the resident.
Plan Of Correction
A dental referral was made for resident 20. A house audit of current residents was completed to ensure that eligible residents received dental referrals. Education will be provided to the IDT on ensuring dental referrals are made for eligible residents. The DON or designee will audit new residents for 60 days to ensure that dental referrals are made for eligible residents. The results of the audits will be reviewed at the facilities QAPI meeting for recommendations.