Managing a dental practice is challenging and involves more than effectively treating patients. Dental practices are required to comply with several federal and state laws, including HIPAA and OSHA. Engaging in best practices for risk management can help dental offices protect themselves from medical malpractice and employment-based lawsuits.
The experienced attorneys at Mahan Dental Law understand dental practice owners’ challenges. Several of our attorneys are dentists, and we prioritize helping dental practice owners protect themselves from unnecessary risks and comply with all relevant laws. When you work with us, we will review your risk management and compliance policies, identify any red flags, and create an effective strategy for your practice.
HIPPA Compliance for Dental Practices
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 is a federal law that requires medical offices, including dentists, to protect patient information. Dental practices must create policies and procedures that limit the use and accidental disclosure of patients’ protected health information (PHI). Dental practices should always obtain consent from patients before they disclose personal health information.
Most dental practices have basic policies for complying with HIPAA, but HIPAA violations can happen quickly and result in significant fines and penalties. We can work with your dental practice at Mahan Dental Law to protect patients’ PHI from unauthorized access. We will identify and address any potential HIPPA violations with a well-thought-out, comprehensive compliance strategy. Our team will also help you document your HIPPA compliance practices to address potential desk audits and onsite visits to your dental practice.
Best Practices for Cyber Security Risk Management
Using up-to-date cyber security protocols can help your dental practice protect patients’ private medical information and comply with HIPAA. Mahan Dental Law can work with you and cyber security experts to ensure your cyber security protection protocols are up-to-date and effective. We can also help you use a comprehensive electronic health records system to maintain optimum security. A comprehensive system can help you notify patients quickly if HIPPA has compromised their PHI.
Complying with OSHA As a Dentist
Mahan Dental Law regularly consults with dental practices to help them comply with The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA Is a federal law that establishes and enforces employees’ health and safety working conditions.
In order to comply with OSHA, dental practices must maintain safe working environments and comply with safety and health standards. This includes providing employees with free training on avoiding exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Dental practices should also train employees to wear personal protective equipment correctly and what to do if exposed to workplace dangers.
Dental practices can face OSHA violation charges due to a lack of employee training, poor or inaccurate record keeping, and failure to educate employees and implement an exposure control plan. Our team is prepared to help you develop a comprehensive OSHA compliance protocol system. Our attorneys have extensive experience representing dental practices facing OSHA violation charges.
Medical Malpractice Risk Management for Dentists
At Mahan Dental Law, we understand that a single medical malpractice lawsuit can be devastating for dental practices. That’s why we believe in a proactive approach to risk management. We work with dental practices to develop comprehensive risk management strategies that decrease the likelihood of medical malpractice lawsuits. This process should start long before a patient decides to pursue legal action, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
For example, risk management begins when a dentist and dental hygienist enter information into a patient’s dental record. The patient chart is an important document that lists all clinical notes and diagnostic information every time a patient visits the dental practice. Ensuring your staff always includes complete information about the treatment performed and any complications can help you protect yourself against frivolous lawsuits. Dental records should also include patient-staff communication in the dental office, such as whether the dentist provided instructions for home care and received consent to treatment.
At Mahan Dental Law, we understand the importance of thorough dental records in risk management. These records not only protect your practice from lawsuits but also help prove your compliance with HIPAA and show continuity of care for the patient. Our team can help you develop and maintain these records, ensuring you provide a course of treatment that meets professional and legal standards.
Managing Patient Complaints in Dental Offices
Establishing a procedure for managing patient complaints can help your dental practice decrease the risk of medical malpractice lawsuits. How you handle patient complaints can also make a significant difference in patient satisfaction. When a patient makes a complaint, it’s important to document it. You should also empathize with the patient’s concern but train your staff members to discuss the matter carefully and accurately, providing reassurance and peace of mind.
If patients have become injured or a mistake has been made, staff members must know to report the incident to managers or you as a dental practice owner. You should offer a solution or a follow-up as needed. When complications arise and a situation escalates while treating patients, speaking to an attorney can be helpful. At Mahan Dental Law, we skillfully help dental practices manage patient complaints and treatment issues in a way that decreases the likelihood of medical malpractice lawsuits, providing a strong support system.
Contact a Risk Management Attorney Today
At Mahan Dental Law, We provide dental practice owners with experienced, strategic legal counsel on a flat fee basis. Our legal counsel will add value to your dental practice. We provide our clients with trustworthy advice based on our experience as dentists and attorneys.
When you hire our experienced team, we will help you implement risk management and compliance policies so you can focus on providing quality dental care to your patients. Don’t hesitate to contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn more about our services.
