News
OSHA Investigation Leads to Judgment: Dentist Penalized for Silencing Safety Concerns
Dr. Monzer K. Al-Dadah, a dentist based in Peoria, IL, faced scrutiny when he terminated a dental assistant of over 20 years who raised concerns about the risk of coronavirus infection at the workplace. The assistant, upon feeling endangered by a particular work assignment potentially leading to exposure to the virus, refused it. Additionally, the assistant voiced concerns regarding workplace safety protocols with her employer. Investigations by OSHA revealed that Dr. Al-Dadah had acted upon learning about a safety complaint lodged with OSHA in March 2020. He sought to identify the whistleblower and subsequently terminated the dental assistant. This action led...
Unprotected Health Information on Unsecured Server Leads to $75,000 Settlement with iHealth Solutions
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has settled potential violations of HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules with Kentucky-based iHealth Solutions (also known as Advantum Health). The settlement centers around a data breach in which the protected health information of 267 individuals was left unsecured on the internet, a clear violation of HIPAA rules that demand stringent protection of health information. OCR Director Melanie Fontes Rainer emphasized the importance of HIPAA business associates protecting the privacy and security of health information they handle, ensuring it's not freely accessible on the internet.In August 2017, the...
From Bad Online Reviews to Regulatory Action: The $30K HIPAA Lesson
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office for Civil Rights (OCR), has announced a settlement with Manasa Health Center, LLC. This settlement is the culmination of a complaint lodged with the OCR in April 2020. The complaint alleged that Manasa Health Center made an impermissible disclosure of a patient’s protected health information in response to a negative review posted online. The OCR launched an investigation to ascertain the accuracy of this allegation, and the findings indicated potential violations of the HIPAA Privacy Rule. These violations encompassed not only the disclosure of sensitive patient information online but also a failure...
Surviving an OSHA Inspection: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a government agency that ensures safe and healthy working conditions by enforcing standards and regulations. If OSHA shows up at your healthcare or dental facility it's probably for an inspection. Here are steps to consider: Be Prepared: The best way to handle an OSHA inspection is to be prepared. This means having your exposure control plan and other safety policies in place, training employees, and regularly checking and maintaining your facility to avoid accidents and injuries. Our 2023 OSHA Compliance System for Healthcare or Dentistry has everything you need to get prepared; easily and affordably....
How do I get my Dental Practice in Compliance with OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard?
To ensure compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030), a dentist or any healthcare provider that has employees with the potential for exposure to blood or OPIM must take the following steps: Develop an Exposure Control Plan: This written plan must outline how the dental practice will protect employees from exposure to bloodborne pathogens, including procedures for handling sharps, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other safety measures. The plan must be reviewed and updated at least annually. Implement Universal Precautions: Treat all blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) as if they...