Recently, an unencrypted USB drive (also known as a flash drive, thumb drive) resulted in a $150,000 fine for a dermatology practice.  The device contained protected health information for over 2,200 patients.  Evidently the device was stolen from the vehicle of one of its staff members.  The practice agreed on a settlement for the fine in addition to a corrective action plan to correct HIPAA compliance issues.

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? CDC also reveals that approximately 3-million adults in the U.S. are infected with hepatitis C virus, particularly the Baby Boomers (born from 1945 through 1965). Of the individuals who are infected, 3 out of 4 have no idea they have it. Once infected, 8 out of 10 people remain infected for life. These numbers are staggering.

We receive a great deal of calls to our office inquiring what to do with old paper records in storage.  Typically the dental office has long since transitioned to a computer and now fully digital.

Old records are stored in dentist’s houses, basements, storage buildings or within the dental office. This is particularly a problem when a new dentist is taking over the practice and wonders what to do with records of patients he or she may never see as patients.  Selling dentists and dentists in practice for a long time should carefully review the regulations.

It was common years ago for health care facilities to flush unused pharmaceuticals down the toilet or dump it down the drain.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted studies and identified numerous pharmaceutical compounds in our nation’s rivers, lakes, streams and drinking waters.

Despite the complexity of waste management, dental offices must evaluate the types of wastes generated and dispose of such waste properly. According to Universal Waste and Hazardous management at Healthcare Facilities in Tennessee, “the lack of a viable environmental compliance program can obviously be used as evidence of a lack of intent to comply.

Our office receives numerous questions from dental offices inquiring about the scope of duties for dental assistants in Tennessee.  Dental Assistants must practice within the scope of duties outlined by Tennessee Rules governing the practice of dental assistants.  The dental assistant is required to stay up to date on these rules and maintain a current license and certifications. You may renew 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

Train employees on the new label elements and SDS format for the new changes made to the Hazard Communication Standard which brings into alignment the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. Please note that this rule requires pictograms on labels as of June 1, 2015 to alert users of the chemical hazards to which they may be exposed. Each pictogram consists of a symbol on a white background framed within a red border and represents a distinct hazard(s).

The Tennessee Prescription Safety Act of 2012 is a significant effort to address prescription drug abuse. Please access this link provided by the state for further information:
http://health.state.tn.us/boards/Controlledsubstance/faq.shtml