Tag Archives: dental

Featured, OSHA

Pennsylvania Dentist Suspended for Infection Control Negligence. Patients Encouraged to get Viral Testing

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SHAMOKIN– Dr. Vincent Paczkoskie , a dentist in Shamonkin, PA practicing for over 40 years, has had his license suspended after Pennsylvania State Health Officials found he did not follow appropriate protocols to sterilize and disinfect instruments.  Inspectors found several violations including:  No evidence of instruments being sterilized during several weeks in June  2014, not having a contract with a Bio-Medical Waste Disposal Company and several other procedural  issues with regards infection control in the office.

Currently there are  no reports of patients being infected with life threatening viruses but the Pennsylvania  Department of Health is recommending current and former patients be tested for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV.

https://on.aol.com/video/dentist-accused-of-exposing-patients-to-hiv-518272335

Written by Jill Obrochta and Heather Whitt of Dental Enhancements.

 

Featured, OSHA

Top 10 things you do not want to say to an OSHA inspector

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Not sure if you are aware but many States are hiring additional OSHA Inspectors for more penetration into the workplace.   Dental Offices are especially being profiled.

In recent months several dental offices have been made examples of for gross negligence in infection control processes.  New Hampshire Orthodontist and Oklahoma Oral Surgeon.  Now let’s focus on what you would never want to say to an OSHA Inspector:

 

1.     “Shoot, I don’t think our autoclave is working today.  Can we just use bleach on the instruments?”

 

2.    “What do you mean I can’t wear my dirty scrubs home.  I wear them to the grocery store after work all the time.”

 

3.    “Hold on a second, I have to run this dirty needle down the hall to the sterilization area.”

 

4.    “Where is my Big Red Bag?  I have a big red beach bag at home, is that what you mean?”

 

5.    “Yes, we always drink coffee up here at the front desk, and I keep snacks right here in this drawer for convenience.”

 

6.    “What do you mean we have to do these Spore Strip Tests Weekly?”

 

7.    “What do you mean we have to send these Spore Strip Tests out to a Third Party for evaluation, we do that all in-house!”

 

8.    “GHS Certified?, No we don’t have that. We are CPR Certified!”

 

9.    “We do not have Pictograms, but Suzie got a Pajam-a-gram for her birthday at the office last week!”

 

10.  “OSHA — Sm-OSHA, we have patients to see around here. We don’t have time for that.”

 

So much for poking a little fun at the regulations.  Seriously, many dental offices do not know where unsafe behavior starts and where compliance begins!  Don’t be caught unprepared or looking uneducated.  Saying that you are unaware of the laws will only infuriate most OSHA Inspectors.  Make sure you choose an OSHA Compliance Training Company that will help you get all regulations in place.  Choose one that will help you with understanding the laws, implementing all of the requirements and that is available for direct questions you may have when putting your protocols in place.

 

Say what you need to say to Mr. OSHA Inspector, but say it with confidence and conviction.

 

Written by Jill Obrochta & Heather Whitt of Dental Enhancements.

 

 

 

 

Featured, OSHA

Dental office: OSHA- what paperwork is required?

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Are you the lucky one that is in charge of OSHA compliance for your office? If you are, then where to begin with the required paperwork can leave your head spinning! Keep in mind, there is a lot of paperwork required beyond the proof-of-annual-training certificate that your employees need to sign. Let’s take a look at what else is required to be comprehensively compliant:

 

As of December 1, 2013, an additional module to OSHA called The Global Harmonization System (GHS) requires additional training and paperwork for all of your employees. GHS is an international chemical safety program. GHS Certification is now a required part of your OSHA paperwork. Also, all employees should sign forms with their risk of occupational exposures categorized, and rated by professional position. OSHA manuals are also due to be updated, and written to GHS Standard. Are you confused, maybe a little intimidated? You want to do the right thing, but where do you turn?

Rather than try to figure out and find the paperwork yourself, finding a reliable, knowledgeable OSHA compliance company will take the burden off of you completely. This one decision in hiring the right OSHA experts can be the single, most important decision you can make regarding your offices’ OSHA compliance. You’ll want to look for a company that can supply all forms and training needs so you can do what you do best, dentistry!

All of the Dental Enhancements products and services come with guided attention from one of our OSHA/GHS experts and you get all necessary forms customized for your team and in electronic format. (Microsoft Word and PDF).

Paperwork: you either have too much or can get caught with not having enough. Don’t risk it! Call Dental Enhancements and get on the right paper trail!

 

Written by Jill Obrochta and Heather Whitt of Dental Enhancements

 

 

Featured, OSHA

Dental Office: Where’s Your OSHA Tooth Fairy?

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It’s no joke, having to face OSHA Compliance (especially if you are the one in charge of it!) is a pain!  No worries, sit back click your heels together and we are about to make the pain subside.  Keep in mind these (3) factors and you will be flying high with OSHA compliance:

 

1.   Comprehensive Is Key!:  In 2013 OSHA compliance mandated that dental offices begin to implement the Global Harmonization System (GHS).  By December 1, 2013 it was required that all employees be trained to this GHS-Standard. Proof of this training is also required.  Your OSHA Manual will also need to be updated to this new GHS standard.  Finally, your required OSHA Employee Paperwork needs to be updated too.  Don’t feel overwhelmed or discouraged.  Simply choose a comprehensive GHS training solution.  This one seems to be written by the tooth fairy herself.  It’s logical and stress-free!

 

2.   Seek Expert Advice:  Plain and simple: Work with OSHA Experts! The new protocols are complex and “You don’t know what you don’t know…(but you need to!)  Don’t put your office at risk for a stressful OSHA inspection.  It’s not worth the agony. Be sure to choose an OSHA compliance company that will protect and guide you.  (This company makes it easy!)

 

3.   Are You Up-to-Date?  There is no excuse for non-compliance, And “not knowing” is not a good answer! GHS Standards will undoubtedly change and update.  Stay in-touch with a compliance company that will provide comprehensive yet easy-to-understand compliance updates.  Choose an OSHA Compliance Training Company that will share updates with you throughout the year and provide an interactive relationship.  You will gain comfort, confidence, and peace-of-mind.

 

Remember these (3) factors are the key to your OSHA compliance success.  The OSHA Tooth Fairy is out there.  Call her at 941-587-2864.

 

Written by Jill Obrochta RDH BS & Heather Whitt EFDA of Dental Enhancements.

 

 

 

Featured, News and Blog, OSHA

GHS- Why?… And What’s It All About

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There is an old adage:  “You don’t know, what you don’t know”…And you may not know:  Federal OSHA law mandates that you have an additional training module added to your list of OSHA requirements that deal with “international chemical safety in the workplace”.

 

The fancy name for this is Global Harmonization System (GHS) and it was required for all employees (full-time, part-time and even receptionists) as of December 1, 2013.  GHS is the result of the Earth Summit, a meeting of international minds to help standardize chemical safety guidelines for all workplaces around the world.  The GHS Standard is new to the USA but has been in full operation in Europe, Canada and several United Nations for the past 8 years.  It deals with making the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)  of the USA to a standardized format, called Safety Data Sheets (SDS).  These are to be hosted in a cloud library for easy access by all employees.  The requirement is 24-hour access in case of a reaction to chemicals previously used in the workplace.  Additionally, the Hazard Rating Labels of the USA turn into “pictograms”. Small universal symbols that convey chemical dangers when handling substances at work.

 

The most important thing for dental offices to be aware of is to get the required training under your belt ASAP if you have not yet completed this within your office. (It was due in place by December 1, 2013!).  Choose a comprehensive program that gives you:  Employee Training, Proof-of-GHS-Training Certificate, New OSHA Manual (written to this GHS Standard) and all updated Employee Paperwork.  The GHS Complete Package is a favorite amongst dental professionals and it comes with a 30-minute navigational session of the materials with an OSHA/GHS Expert.  This will help you “know what you need to know”.  Get smart.  Get GHS comprehensive training and “git er done!”

 

Written by Jill Obrochta & Heather Whitt of Dental Enhancements.

 

Featured, News and Blog, OSHA

Top 10 items to have ready for any OSHA inspection

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 Make sure you are prepared for Mr. OSHA inspector. These are the top 10 things that most OSHA inspectors will look for:

       1.   Your annual OSHA employee proof-of-training certificate

       2.   Other OSHA required paperwork and records

       3.    Proof of GHS Training Certificate

       4.   Biohazard receipts (for the past 3 years)

       5.   3rd party Spore Strip Test Reports

       6.    Updated OSHA Manual written to GHS (Global Harmonization System) Standard

       7.   Small red bag in every operatory

       8.   Small red sharps container in every operatory

       9.   All team have access to and should be wearing long sleeved labcoats

     10.    No food or drink outside of designated break room

Of course there are many other areas of OSHA compliance. Best practices would be to hire a competent OSHA compliance training company that will make your office compliant in these 3 areas:

1.   Annual OSHA employee training

2.   All required paperwork and manuals

3.   Customized Facility Report

You will also want to have ongoing communication with their OSHA experts. Our favorite program is the Initial Annual OSHA Employee Training Package or the All in One OSHA Training Package.

Don’t be caught unprepared, make sure your training company has your back.

 

Written by Jill Obrochta and Heather Whitt of Dental Enhancements

Featured, News and Blog, OSHA

Dental Office OSHA- Do We Really Have to Train Annually?

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OSHA Training never brings a smile to your face. Thinking about this arduous task makes most of us cringe.  Seeing an OSHA Training Session, scheduled during your workday’s lunch hour is about as exciting as looking forward to doing your taxes.  Nonetheless, a necessary evil.

Not only is OSHA Employee Training required for your dental office to do annually, but every dental office employee is required to complete it.  This includes Receptionists, part-time employees, and even the Doctor!   If you pull a paycheck from the practice, you have to be there.  If you work at all within the office dwelling, you have to be there.

But let’s face it, not every employee may be able to attend the training in one set, given time.  What are you to do? Thanks to modern technology and more creative means of accomplishing training, select OSHA Training Companies can offer you the convenience of replicating or repeating your training session for absentee employees.  Even better, you should be able to obtain the training in a format that allows new-hires to train for free.

To accomplish this end, make sure to choose an Annual OSHA Employee Training Company that will provide the following:  Proof-of-Training Certificate, Handout for your Employees to Follow, Test of the Materials Presented, Live Instruction— either in person or better yet, via webinar and access to an OSHA Expert for future reference regarding questions, clarifications and access to important updates.

A 5-Star, Industry Rated program comes from Dental Enhancements. The Initial Annual OSHA Employee Training Package comes also with a 72-Point OSHA Safety Facility Report.  It is completed via the phone post-training session with one of your employees.  Recommendations for rectifying any Non-OSHA Compliant areas within your office are reflected in your customized report, making this program a superior OSHA training solution that most dental offices value.  It provides peace-of-mind for when an OSHA Inspector may “come-a-knockin” at your door.  Unlimited OSHA support—in the form of telephone or email access is also provided for one full year with this program.

Feeling inspired?  Much better huh?  So when you see that OSHA Training Session scheduled during your precious lunch hour now, you can smile not cringe.  It’s all about choosing the right OSHA Training coaches.  So, choose…Don’t snooze.  Don’t lose!

 

Written by Jill Obrochta & Heather Whitt of Dental Enhancements.

 

Featured, HIPAA, News and Blog

HIPAA Audits: Fact or Fiction?

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Is Mr. HIPAA Auditor really out there enforcing compliance? The fact is, he may be closer than you think. With the sweeping changes regarding HIPAA Omnibus Rule, tolerance for non-compliance is next to zero. If you have not completed your training to Omnibus Rule Standard, you may be in the dark, but ignorance in this case is NOT bliss! There are numerous forms, extensive protocols that were due in place in your dental office by September 23, 2013. There is no grace period, and there is no “I’ll get to later” attitude tolerated. This is a pressing issue and should be a priority- NOW! The key to a smooth transition into HIPAA Omnibus Rule compliance is a comprehensive, economical, and easily implemented HIPAA Omnibus Rule Training Program. Seeking this training from a reputable,  knowledgeable company is a must.

Still not convinced this should be priority one in your dental office? Not sure if compliance to HIPAA Omnibus Rule is actually enforced? Allow us to present to you some recent actions as a result of non-compliance according to HHS.gov:

 

1.   “The Hospice of Northern Idaho (HONI) has agreed to pay the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) $50,000 to settle potential violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Security Rule.  This is the first settlement involving a breach of unsecured electronic protected health information (ePHI) affecting fewer than 500 individuals.”

2.   “Alaska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has agreed to pay the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) $1.7 million to settle potential violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Security Rule.  Alaska also agreed to take corrective action to improve policies and procedures to safeguard the privacy and security of its patients’ protected health information. OCR’s investigation followed a breach report submitted by Alaska DHHS as required by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act.  The report indicated that a portable electronic storage device (USB hard drive) possibly containing ePHI was stolen from the vehicle of a DHHS employee.  Over the course of the investigation, OCR found that DHHS did not have adequate policies and procedures in place to safeguard ePHI.  Further, DHHS had not completed a risk analysis, implemented sufficient risk management measures, completed security training for its workforce members, implemented device and media controls, or addressed device and media encryption as required by the HIPAA Security Rule.”

3.   “Idaho State University (ISU) has agreed to pay $400,000 to the U.S. Department of Health Human Services (HHS) for violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Security Rule.  This settlement involves the breach of unsecured electronic protected health information (ePHI) of 17,500 individuals who were patients at an ISU clinic.”

 

If you think your practice is under the radar, think again! HIPAA audits can be kicked-off by disgruntled employees, HIPAA-savvy patients, or perhaps another healthcare provider who may make a complaint. The government is obligated to investigate every complaint, even if suspected untrue.

HIPAA Omnibus Rule is not going to go away, a HIPAA compliance company that will guide you through the twists and turns of compliance will be your greatest asset to protect your practice. Look for a compliance training company that will be your advocate in this cumbersome process. A company that will make compliance easy and stands by you when you need them to. Don’t leave yourself open and ripe for the picking!

 

Written by Jill Obrochta and Heather Whitt of Dental Enhancements

 

Featured, News and Blog, OSHA

Dental Office OSHA: 3 Key Factors to Success

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Creating an OSHA Compliance Program for your dental office can be a daunting task.  If the thought of implementing or updating your OSHA program makes you cringe, want to pull your hair out or quit your job….Hang-in there, there’s help!

The key is to choose an OSHA Compliance Training Company that is comprehensive, hands-on with the required protocols and easy-to-work-with.  You want an OSHA Company that is “on your side” not policing for osha.gov.  Below are (3) Key Factors to keep in mind when creating or updating your dental office OSHA program:

 

1.    Be Sure your Program is Comprehensive:  In the recent year, there were sweeping changes with regards to OSHA compliance.  In 2013, OSHA mandated that dental offices begin to implement the Global Harmonization System (GHS).  This means that by December 1, 2013 you should have at least had your team trained to the GHS-Standard and be able to show proof of this training.  OSHA manuals will need to be updated to the GHS standard as well as your employee paperwork.  Proof-of-GHS-Training is a requirement, so you will want to have a GHS-Certificate or its equivalent.  Make sure to choose a comprehensive GHS training solution.  It will make your life with this new protocol logical and less stressed!

 

2.   Work with OSHA Experts:  New protocols?!!  Uggh!… that’s enough to realize:   “You don’t know what you don’t know…(but you need to!)  And Mr. OSHA Inspector….doesn’t care!”  Don’t risk being caught-up in an OSHA inspection and being called-out on not having these important and cumbersome new protocols in place.  It’s not worth the time and aggravation a prolonged OSHA Inspection is sure to bring. Choose an OSHA compliance company that will have your back and make it easy. (We love one in particular!)

 

3.   Update, Update, Update!  It never ends!  No, I’m serious.  Just because you get the GHS Standards under-your-belt and in place within your dental office, don’t think the buck stops there!  Compliance will always come with updates.  It’s the name-of-the game.  Again, make sure you choose an OSHA Compliance Training Company that will be your “OSHA dental tooth fairy”.  One that will share updates with you throughout the year and also maintain an interactive relationship with you so you can be comfortable and confident in getting your OSHA groove-on.  (What do you think they will leave under the pillow?)

 

Remember these (3) factors are the key to your OSHA compliance success.  Don’t be fooled, it’s not that easy.  Go search-out your OSHA Tooth Fairy now!

 

Written by Jill Obrochta & Heather Whitt of Dental Enhancements.

Featured, HIPAA, News and Blog

Top 10 HIPAA Compliance Requirements

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If you need to put some “hip” into your dental offices HIPAA Compliance, listen up!  HIPAA law all changed as of September 23, 2013.  The government took 500 pages of HIPAA that existed in January of 2012— added 80 more pages and combined the two sets to create the new HIPAA Omnibus Rules.  These new HIPAA mandates were due to be functioning within all USA healthcare facilities by September 23, 2013.  Here is what is important:

 

1.   A HIPAA Manual—written to the new Omnibus Rule standard.

2.  Proof-of-Employee Training— a training session with particular components needs to be presented to each employee and all employees need to sign-off that they were trained.

3.  Employee Confidentiality Agreements—these need to be kept on file for each employee too.

4.  Business Vendor Confidentiality Agreements—Business Vendors who “see or use your Patient PHI” need to sign these agreements to protect your patient’s PHI.

5.  New Patient Paperwork

6.  New Business Protocols with regards to handling Patient Protected Health Information (PHI).

7.  New protocols for handling PHI within your computer systems and email—A good HIPAA training company will interface with your IT tech or Dental software company on this one.

8.  New Requirements to Upgrade Microsoft XP to more current HIPAA supported versions.

9.  New Breach Reporting Protocols—you need to know how to handle accidental or misguided mis-use of patient PHI and how to report it promptly.  

10.   New Daily Data Back-Up Requirements—again you will need some interface with your IT Tech or dental software company for this one.  HIPAA Training coaches or your dental supplier can also help explain these requirements.

 

Is your head spinning right about now?  It should be!  The Omnibus Rules are pretty intense.  So are the fines for non-compliance (ranging from $10,000 – $1.5M)

What is an Omnibus anyway?  By definition “omnibus”  means “previous published parts combined to create a new volume”.  Funny enough comic book series are written and republished in this fashion.  But, truly, this is no joke!  The new HIPAA Omnibus Rules (also referred to as “the Final Rule”) are pretty serious.  If you need help wrapping your head around all of this, be sure to choose a compliance company that offers a Complete HIPAA Training Solution.

One that offers: training , paperwork, electronic versions of required forms, new HIPAA manual written to the new Final Rule Standard and guided help if you need it.

 

A great comprehensive training package that will give you everything you need and help you breathe a sigh of relief (as you can speak directly with a HIPAA exert as you implement this stuff) is crucial!

 

Get “hip” to the new HIPAA Omnibus Rules.  The risk for non-compliance is just too costly.

 

Written by Jill Obrochta & Heather Whitt of Dental Enhancements.