Failure to Provide Dental Services for Resident with Broken Denture
Penalty
Summary
A resident with a history of moderate protein-calorie malnutrition, stroke, adult failure to thrive, and legal blindness was admitted to the facility and was covered under Medicaid. Upon admission, the resident had an upper denture in fair condition and was noted to have lower dentures that were not brought to the facility due to being broken. The resident was cognitively intact, required assistance with oral hygiene, and had a care plan in place to address dental/oral status, including the need for dental evaluation and treatment as needed. The resident consented to receive dental services, as documented in the ancillary services consent form. Despite these documented needs and consent, there was no evidence in the medical record that the resident had been seen by a dentist since admission, nor were there any progress notes indicating attempts to arrange dental services to replace the broken lower denture. The contracted dental provider had visited the facility, but the resident was not seen during these visits. Interviews with staff confirmed a lack of awareness regarding the resident's denture status, and the DON confirmed that no dental services had been provided to the resident during their stay.