Failure to Provide Routine Dental Care per State Plan
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident with several missing and broken bottom teeth reported not remembering the last time dental services were offered. Clinical record review showed the resident was admitted with Medicaid coverage and had a physician's order for a dental consult and follow-up. However, the last documented dental visit was nearly a year prior, and there was no evidence that the resident received routine prophylactic dental cleanings as covered under the State plan. Observation and interviews confirmed that the facility did not assist the resident in obtaining routine dental care in accordance with regulatory requirements. The Director of Nursing acknowledged that the resident did not receive dental care as required, and the facility failed to provide documentation supporting the provision of routine dental services.
Plan Of Correction
The facility was unable to take actions for residents 23 due to the resident ceasing to breathe within the facility. A review of the residents potentially needing dental care services was completed. Upon identification of needs for such service, it was discussed with the provider and actions were taken to ensure that the resident was scheduled and/or received dental care. Education was provided by the director of nursing and/or designee to clinical staff and our scheduling team on the importance of residents being offered dental services either within the facility or outside to their personal dentist. Audits will be completed weekly for one month and bi-weekly for an additional three months focusing on the identification of residents needing service and being scheduled for dental care. Any findings will be reported to our Quality Assurance Performance Improvement committee for further discussion.