Compliance can be a difficult issue to address in dentist offices. It goes much further than simply checking a few boxes on a list each year and filing some papers. In fact, dental professionals and their staff will be required to actively prepare for an audit.
We’ll cover the basic components of a compliance program. For a more comprehensive and detailed program, including the necessary paperwork to pass an inspection, contact the HealthFirst Compliance Solutions team today. Let’s get into it.
Dental Clinic Compliance Program
- Licensing and Permits:
- Valid dental licenses for all dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants.
- Appropriate permits and registrations required by local authorities.
- Infection Control:
- Implementation of proper sterilization and disinfection protocols.
- Availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff.
- Regular maintenance and calibration of sterilization equipment.
- Safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials.
- OSHA Compliance:
- Compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, including proper handling of chemicals, bloodborne pathogens, and hazardous materials.
- Documentation of staff training on OSHA standards and protocols.
- HIPAA Compliance:
- Implementation of privacy policies and procedures in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- Protection of patient health information (PHI), including secure storage and transmission.
- Staff training on HIPAA regulations and patient confidentiality.
- Recordkeeping:
- Maintenance of accurate and up-to-date patient records.
- Proper storage and security of patient records, including protection against unauthorized access.
- Radiology and X-Ray Safety:
- Compliance with state regulations regarding radiology equipment and procedures.
- Regular calibration and maintenance of X-ray machines.
- Staff training on radiation safety and protection.
- Emergency Preparedness:
- Development and implementation of an emergency response plan.
- Availability of emergency equipment and supplies.
- Regular drills and training for staff on emergency protocols.
- Staff Training and Continuing Education:
- Regular training and education programs for staff on compliance requirements, infection control, safety protocols, and patient care.
- Marketing and Advertising:
- Compliance with regulations regarding advertising, including accurate and non-misleading claims.
- Compliance with State and Federal Regulations:
- Adherence to state and federal regulations related to dentistry, healthcare, and business practices.
It’s important to note that this list provides a general overview, and specific requirements may vary depending on the location and applicable regulations. Dental practices and their entire staff must be knowledgeable about current OSHA and HIPAA regulations. To build that knowledge, finding the right compliance expert to serve as coach and guide is key. Ideally, that expert should have clinical experience in a dental office.
