CMS SOM App. PP, Tag F790

The facility must assist residents in obtaining routine and 24-hour emergency dental

care.

§483.55(a) Skilled Nursing Facilities

A facility—

§483.55(a)(1) Must provide or obtain from an outside resource, in accordance with

with §483.70(f) of this part, routine and emergency dental services to meet the needs

of each resident;

§483.55(a)(2) May charge a Medicare resident an additional amount for routine and

emergency dental services;

§483.55(a)(3) Must have a policy identifying those circumstances when the loss or

damage of dentures is the facility’s responsibility and may not charge a resident for

the loss or damage of dentures determined in accordance with facility policy to be

the facility's responsibility;

§483.55(a)(4) Must if necessary or if requested, assist the resident;

(i) In making appointments; and

(ii) By arranging for transportation to and from the dental services location; and

§483.55(a)(5) Must promptly, within 3 days, refer residents with lost or damaged

dentures for dental services. If a referral does not occur within 3 days, the facility

must provide documentation of what they did to ensure the resident could still eat

and drink adequately while awaiting dental services and the extenuating

circumstances that led to the delay.