If you don’t know the answer to this question, you are in for a surprise! You are not the only one in the dark regarding compliance deadlines when it comes to OSHA and HIPAA. Let us enlighten you.

Let’s begin at the beginning! Annual OSHA Employee Training is required for Federal OSHA compliance, this you may already know.

In addition to that, there was an International Chemical Safety Module added last year called The Global Harmonization System Law (GHS). It is in fact, is a completely separate training requirement from Annual OSHA Employee Training. Not to worry, don’t be overwhelmed, help is available. There are easy, affordable options to help you achieve the GHS training requirement. Selecting the right training program is key! You want a comprehensive, yet simple program (with hand-holding if necessary). Be sure you choose a company that will walk you through the process and provides outstanding service as well.

If that isn’t enough to make your head spin, there’s more! HIPAA has completely changed as of last year. The new protocols are called HIPAA Omnibus Rule. All training and implementation of new protocols were due in place by September 23, 2013. Dental offices now need to be compliant to the Omnibus Rules. This involves employee training and new patient forms, as well as a new HIPAA manual written to the new Omnibus Rule Standard. Again, choosing a user-friendly compliance training program is key! Choosing a compliance company that will walk you through this process, provide ready-to-use forms and easy-to-understand training is paramount. HIPAA compliance is very complex and overwhelming on its own. Don’t try to navigate this slippery slope on your own, help is only a phone call away! For a free HIPAA consultation for your dental office, call 941-587-2864.

Written by Jill Obrochta and Heather Whitt of Dental Enhancements