Failure to Provide Timely Dental Services Following Dental Recommendations
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide timely and necessary dental services for a resident who was a Medicaid recipient. The resident, who had a history of cerebral infarction and type 2 diabetes with diabetic neuropathy, was cognitively intact according to a recent MDS assessment. Documentation showed that the resident was seen by a dentist and received a treatment plan recommending impressions for full upper and lower dentures and extractions of several teeth. The treatment plan emphasized the need for prompt action to prevent possible complications, including the risk of infection spreading if the extractions were not performed. Despite these recommendations, the resident reported that the facility had not scheduled the necessary dental appointment for extractions, as advised by the dentist. During interviews, the resident expressed concern about the lack of follow-up, and the Nursing Home Administrator was unable to provide documentation showing that appropriate dental services were arranged or delivered in a timely manner. The administrator could not explain the delay or the lack of action following the dental recommendations.