Failure to Coordinate Off-Site Dental Care for Resident with Urgent Needs
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to coordinate necessary dental care for a resident who was identified as having obvious or likely cavities and broken natural teeth upon admission. The resident, who was cognitively intact but required significant assistance with activities of daily living due to multiple medical conditions including acute respiratory failure, atrial fibrillation, type II diabetes, and hemiplegia following a stroke, had not seen a dentist in two years and expressed a desire to do so. Although the resident signed a consent form for dental services and was assessed by a dental provider, the provider determined that treatment could not be completed on-site and recommended an off-site clinic visit. Despite this recommendation, the facility did not arrange for the resident to be transported to the off-site dental clinic. The health unit coordinator contacted the resident's son, who indicated that accompanying the resident was not convenient, but no further efforts were made to explore alternative transportation options. The facility's policy required staff to ensure all necessary appointments and follow-ups were completed, but this was not done, resulting in the resident's dental needs remaining unaddressed.