1. (1) The facility must assist residents in obtaining routine and 24-hour emergency dental care.

   1. (a) Skilled nursing facilities. A facility:

      1. 1. Must provide or obtain from an outside resource, in accordance with Section 483.75(h) of Title 42 Code of Federal Regulations revised 10/1/93, routine and emergency dental services to meet the needs of each resident;
      2. 2. May charge a Medicare resident an additional amount for routine and emergency dental services;

      3. 3. Must, if necessary, assist the resident:

         1. (i) In making appointments; and
         2. (ii) By arranging for transportation to and from the dentist's office; and
         3. (iii) Promptly refer residents with lost or damaged dentures to a dentist.

   2. (b) Nursing Facilities. The facility:

      1. 1. Must provide or obtain from an outside resource the following dental services to meet the needs of each resident:

         1. (i) Routine dental services (to the extent covered under the State plan); and
         2. (ii) Emergency dental services;

      2. 2. Must, if necessary, assist the resident-

         1. (i) In making appointments; and
         2. (ii) By arranging for transportation to and from the dentist's office; and
         3. (iii) Promptly refer residents with lost or damaged dentures to a dentist.

Author: Patricia E. Ivie

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§22-21-20, et seq.

History: Repealed and Replaced: Filed July 19, 1996; effective August 23, 1996.