Beginning in October 2014, the New Jersey Department of Health investigated and confirmed fifteen patient transmissions of bacterial endocarditis after oral surgery treatment at the same oral surgery practice. During the investigation, breaches of recommended infection control standards were identified…
In December 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final rule banning 24 ingredients found in over-the-counter (OTC) antispetics used for hand hygiene in the healthcare industry. The final rule becomes effective on December 20, 2018. According…
Under new amendments to Proposition 65 warning regulations, starting on August 30, 2018, dental offices will have to comply with one or both of the following: Post one Proposition 65 warning sign at all public points of entry to the…
According to the Dental Board of California (DBC), as notified by the California State Board of Pharmacy (Pharmacy Board), there are a number of non-compliant security prescription forms in use by healthcare professionals, including dentists, that were printed by Department…
Navigating the requirements under the U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) can often be confusing and overwhelming. Many times, in order to ensure compliance, healthcare providers are more protective of information than necessary. While being more diligent is…
Last month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) posted responses to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the new amalgam separator rule on the EPA’s website. The FAQ document provides detailed answers to various questions such as “Who must comply with…
With the end of the year drawing near, as we prepare to usher in 2018, December is a good time to review and evaluate office safety policies and procedures to ensure compliance and their effectiveness. Using a safety assessment checklist…
The Dental Board of California (DBC) added information to its website relating to prescription drug abuse. The DBC’s online information includes the DBC’s acknowledgement of the opioid epidemic, the DBC’s recommendations on how to combat the problem, and links to…
The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) published a new white paper entitled Opioid Prescribing: Acute and Postoperative Pain Management which details opioid use guidelines for managing a patient’s acute and postoperative pain. In addition to staunchly affirming…
