Failure to Provide Dental Services and Inadequate Denture Loss Policy
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary dental services for a resident with a history of dementia and mild protein calorie malnutrition who was admitted with full upper dentures. Documentation showed that the resident's upper dentures were missing, and staff were unaware that the resident was supposed to have upper dentures. The resident's family reported the missing dentures, and review of the resident's records, including the plan of care and treatment administration record, did not show evidence of assistance or care related to dentures. Interviews with nursing staff revealed uncertainty about whether the resident used dentures, and there was no documentation or physician's order to ensure proper denture care. Additionally, the facility's oral health policy, last reviewed in September, did not include procedures for instances when dentures are lost or damaged, nor did it specify that the facility may not charge residents for such loss or damage as required. The Director of Nursing Services, along with the Administrator and Regional Director, confirmed that the policy lacked this required language and could not provide evidence that the resident received assistance with denture care.