by Olivia Wann, JD
Perhaps you know of a dental office that experienced a random OSHA audit. This experience can be both stressful and enlightening. This article explores common violations OSHA will look for, that we commonly see in dental offices. We hope you will find this information helpful in closing the gaps in your compliance program.
Millions of dollars are spent on costly HIPAA settlements due to violations and a lack of compliance. Overlooking risk can result in a security breach. Maintaining computer logs for HIPAA compliance is important.
Has your dental office received a phone call stating:
“My name is XX. I’m calling your office today to conduct your mandatory HIPAA Security Risk Assessment that’s required by the Department of Health and Human Services…” Learn how to avoid HIPAA marketing scams and protect your practice from misleading tactics designed to sell unnecessary services.
Modern Practice Solutions, LLC receives many calls about how to dispose dental anesthetic carpules and other pharmaceutical waste. Recently, the American Dental Association published “Stericycle Contracts: Read the Fine Print – Dentists Question Business Practices” in the June 20, 2016 edition of ADA News. Dentists now search for affordable waste disposal options to avoid costly contracts.
As consultants in dental OSHA and infection control compliance, we focus on promoting safe dental care and work environments. Preventing infection control breaches is essential in every dental office.
A dermatology practice recently faced a $150,000 fine after losing an unencrypted USB drive (also known as a flash drive or thumb drive). The device, stolen from a staff member’s vehicle, contained protected health information for over 2,200 patients. As a result, the practice not only paid the hefty fine but also agreed to implement a corrective action plan to address its HIPAA compliance issues. This case underscores the importance of securing sensitive data and avoiding costly compliance errors.
HIPAA is certainly not new, especially for lawyers and HIPAA-related challenges. Hospitals, medical and dental practices, and other covered entities have grappled with HIPAA for years. Ask any healthcare worker about the topic, and they will likely share negative feedback. Such responses often relate to ongoing challenges, including continuous training, extensive policies, documentation, risk assessments, and complex risk management plans.
HIPAA compliance can feel overwhelming, but ensuring the security of your patients’ data is crucial for every healthcare practice. One of the fundamental requirements under HIPAA is conducting a thorough and accurate risk assessment of your data security. At Modern Practice Solutions, we work closely with your Practice Administrator and IT professionals to address critical questions and develop a robust compliance strategy.
Recent studies indicate that hepatitis C can remain infectious at room temperatures for up to 6-weeks. Is your practice following the latest infection control guidelines for infection control? The CDC reveals that approximately 3 million adults in the U.S., especially Baby Boomers (born 1945–1965), are infected with hepatitis C. Shockingly, 3 out of 4 infected individuals remain unaware of their condition. Once infected, 8 out of 10 people remain infected for life. These numbers are staggering.
Many dental offices call us with questions about the Dental Records Rule and handling old paper records in storage. As offices transition to fully digital systems, they often need guidance on managing these records effectively.