Failure to Provide and Follow Up on Dental Services for Two Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that two residents received necessary dental services as indicated by their medical and dental records. One resident, who had been re-admitted with severe protein-calorie malnutrition, diabetes, schizophrenia, and chronic kidney disease, had all teeth removed and had not received dentures for six weeks. Dental records showed that this resident required dental x-rays before denture impressions could be taken, and x-rays were completed, but there was no follow-up to provide dentures. The other resident, with diagnoses including diabetes and seizures, reported that her dentures did not fit properly, causing difficulty chewing, and had not seen a dentist in three weeks despite a recommendation for new dentures and a need for a full mouth dental x-ray. Interviews with staff revealed a lack of follow-up on dental recommendations for both residents. The Social Services Director admitted to not documenting missing teeth on the MDS and not understanding or following up on dental recommendations. A registered nurse confirmed that no follow-up occurred on the dental recommendations, and the Director of Nursing acknowledged the importance of following dental recommendations to prevent issues with chewing and nutrition. The facility's policy required prompt referral to a dentist for residents needing dental services, but this was not followed for the two residents.