Healthcare Inspection - Alleged Failure to Obtain Informed Consent and Provide Appropriate Dental Care Minneapolis VAHCS, Minneapolis, MN

The VA OIG conducted an inspection to determine the validity of allegations regarding a failure to obtain informed consent, communicate the plan of care to family and non-VA nursing home (NH) staff, and provide appropriate care after a dental procedure at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System outpatient dental clinic. We did not substantiate that the provider failed to obtain informed consent prior to extracting multiple teeth. The provider determined that the patient had decision-making capacity and was able to participate in the informed consent process on the day of the oral surgery procedure. We substantiated that family and NH staff was not aware of the planned extractions. They were notified about an upcoming dental clinic appointment but not that extractions were scheduled. Although not fully effective, communication did occur between the facility and the NH before and after the extractions. Prior to our arrival, the facility had taken steps to improve the content and flow of information between NHs and facility clinics. The facility subsequently established plans for additional improvement. We did not substantiate that the VA failed to provide appropriate post-extraction care. The NH staff was able to control the bleeding and provide adequate pain relief in the postoperative period. We made no recommendations.