Failure to Obtain Routine Dental Services for Resident with Dental Concerns
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to obtain routine dental services for a resident with natural teeth who was identified as having obvious or likely cavities or broken teeth on two consecutive annual MDS assessments. Although the facility's policy required at least an annual oral examination and the offering of dental services every six months, the resident's daughter initially declined dental care upon admission when the resident was not yet Medicaid-eligible. However, after the resident's payment source changed to Medicaid, the facility did not provide evidence that the daughter was offered dental services under the Medicaid benefit during the following year. Clinical records showed no care plan was developed to address the resident's dental issues, despite documentation of dental concerns in the MDS and care area assessment. Multiple care conferences occurred with the resident's daughter present or updated, but there was no documentation that dental services were discussed or offered after the resident became Medicaid-eligible. The deficiency was identified through review of facility policies, clinical records, and interviews with the resident's family and staff.