Failure to Provide Timely Dental Services
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with Parkinson's Disease, who required substantial to maximal assistance with activities of daily living and had intact cognition, did not receive timely dental care. The resident had a history of broken teeth and had been waiting for dentures for an extended period. Medical records showed that the resident was referred for full dental extractions and had multiple oral surgery appointments scheduled, but the procedures were not performed. After the last missed appointment, no new appointment was scheduled. Interviews revealed that each time the resident was taken to an appointment, the family did not show up, resulting in cancellations. Staff did not follow up to reschedule the procedure or ensure the resident received the necessary dental care. The DON confirmed that staff should have scheduled another appointment and could have accompanied the resident for assistance, acknowledging that the resident did not receive dental care in a timely manner. The facility's policy required assistance in obtaining routine and emergency dental care, which was not met in this case.
Plan Of Correction
F 791 Dental Services ELEMENT #1 Resident #19 had a dental appointment made for 6/24/25. ELEMENT #2 Current residents followed by Health Drive have the potential to be affected by the deficient practice. Current residents followed by Health Drive were assessed for additional dental service needs. Any resident in need of dental services was referred to Health Drive. Any resident needing additional dental care, an appointment was made for. ELEMENT #3 The policy, Dental Services has been reviewed and deemed appropriate. The policy, Dental Services remains in place. The social work department and ward clerks were re-educated on the policy, Dental Services with emphasis on follow-up dental appointments. ELEMENT #4 The Director of Nursing and/or designee will conduct random audits of 5 residents to ensure substantial compliance with dental services being scheduled. Audits will be conducted weekly for four weeks then monthly for two months. Any concerns will be immediately addressed. The results of the audits will be reviewed by the QAPI committee monthly for 3 months for further recommendations. Any area of non-compliance will be addressed. The Administrator is responsible for sustained compliance. Date of Compliance: 7/8/2025