Failure to Assist Resident with Physician-Ordered Dental Referral
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to provide dental services in accordance with professional standards of care for one resident. The resident, who was admitted with multiple diagnoses including bacteremia, depression, anemia, and severe cognitive impairment, had a physician order for a dental referral due to dental pain. Despite this order, the resident was not assisted in obtaining a dental appointment as required. The Social Services Director, responsible for ensuring dental referrals are scheduled, confirmed during interview and record review that she was unaware of the referral and did not schedule the appointment. A review of the facility's policies indicated that social services staff are responsible for assisting residents in accessing and scheduling dental services. The failure to follow these procedures resulted in the resident not being seen by a dentist after the referral order was made. The deficiency was identified through interviews, record reviews, and policy examination, confirming that the required dental care was not provided as ordered.