Failure to Provide Timely Dental Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary dental services to meet the needs of three residents, resulting in a deficiency. Resident CR1 was admitted with a physician's order for dental evaluation and treatment, but despite being placed on a dental list after a missing tooth was reported, there was no evidence of a dental visit from August 2024 to January 2025. The facility's documents indicated a lack of consent and prepayment issues as reasons for the delay. Resident R2, admitted with a history of stroke and muscle weakness, had a dental evaluation and a denture impression taken in September 2024. However, due to preauthorization issues, the resident was removed from the dental list, and there was no evidence of a follow-up dental visit in January 2025. The resident expressed frustration over the delay in receiving dentures. Resident R3, with a history of high blood pressure and cancer, was also not seen by a dentist due to the facility's failure to obtain consent for treatment. Despite being scheduled for a dental visit, the resident was removed from the list. Interviews with staff confirmed the facility's failure to provide timely dental services to these residents, as required by regulations.
Plan Of Correction
There were no ill effects noted to patients CR1, R2 and R3. CR1 has discharged out of facility, and therefore was unable to rectify. All consents were obtained for R2 and R3 and called in to Facility Dental Services. R2, R3, and family was notified of consents and dental status. Dentist has verified consent and list for upcoming appointments with resident R2 and R3. Nursing notes for the last week have been reviewed for any indications that any dental services are necessary. Dental lists continue to be checked daily for any new dental issues. If urgent situation arises, facility will send to outside dentist. Nursing home administrator (NHA) educated Medical Records clerk and Appointment Scheduler on facility protocol of Dental Services. NHA will educate all nursing Staff on documentation of needs of dental services and dental lists that are to be utilized at each nursing station in a timely manner. Audits to be completed by Director of Nursing or Designee for 3 times a week times 2 weeks, 2 times a week times 2 weeks, and 1 time a week times 2 weeks. This plan of correction will be monitored at the monthly Quality Assurance meeting until substantial compliance has been met.