Infection Control Breaches in a Dental Office
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.
Tag: Modern Practice Solutions
$150,000 Fine for Lost Thumb Drive
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.
Lawyers and HIPAA
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: Risk Assessment & Risk Management Plan
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.
Do You Know How Long Hepatitis C Can Remain Infectious?
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.
Tennessee – Dental Records Rule
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.
Disposal of Hazardous Waste in a Dental Office
Proper waste management in dental offices is crucial to protecting the environment and ensuring regulatory compliance. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified pharmaceutical compounds in rivers, lakes, and drinking water, making it essential for healthcare facilities to handle waste responsibly. Below, we’ll outline key considerations and best practices for managing hazardous waste in dental settings.
Understanding Business Associate Agreements
A critical component of a dental office’s HIPAA compliance program is obtaining business associate agreements from their business associates. A business associate is a person or an entity that provides services for the covered entity (dental office) involving protected health information (PHI) and electronic protected health information (ePHI).
What Can Unlicensed Dental Assistants Do in Tennessee?
Our office frequently receives questions about the duties unlicensed dental assistants can perform in Tennessee. Dental assistants must follow the scope of practice outlined in Tennessee’s Rules for Dental Assistants. They must also stay updated on these rules and maintain current licenses and certifications. Renewals can be completed at www.tennesseeanytime.org
The below information is a guideline adapted from RULES GOVERNING THE PRACTICE OF DENTAL ASSISTANTS as set forth by the Tennessee Board of Dentistry. Please visit the website at http://www.state.tn.us/sos/rules/0460/0460-04.20120319.pdf