The Compliance Divas Podcast

The Compliance Divas recently attended the annual conference of the Association for Dental Safety and share their insights and take-aways from the meeting presentations.   The Divas also have a special promotion for ADS membership - see below.Resources:ADS membership application - https://www.myads.org/membership-application  Use code DIVAS50.Association for Dental Safety - https://www.myads.org https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Email encryption ensures that only authorized individuals have access to patient information and it's required under the HIPAA Security Rule. Having the right program makes it easier to be compliant and protect your patients' sensitive information. In this episode, the Divas provide tips for evaluating your current email encryption program.HIPAA Security Rule updates: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/security/hipaa-security-rule-nprm/factsheet/index.htmlHolland and Hart Law article: https://www.hollandhart.com/hipaa-emails-texts https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Join the DIVAS and Holly Weaver from Midmark for an in-depth discussion of the new Midmark M-9 and M-11 sterilizers.  Dental teams will want to know how these innovations and new features can elevate the instrument sterilization process, trouble-shooting errors and recordkeeping for risk management.Resources:Midmark Corporation https://www.midmark.com/dental/products/instrument-processing/steam-sterilizers   CDC Guidelines for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities - 2008, updated 2024  https://www.cdc.gov/infection-control/hcp/disinfection-and-sterilization/index.html https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

The states of WA and GA have implemented rules within the state dental boards for maintaining and testing dental unit water quality.  Join the Divas as they discuss this regulatory activity, and why it is so important for patient safety.  Our special guest is Chanda Chatham, Director of Education for Solmetex, our sustaining sponsor.Resources:WA State Legislature - Dental Unit Water Quality https://bit.ly/3DYCWyPGeorgia Dental Association Notice of Attempt to Adopt a Rule - https://bit.ly/4l7pUzzSolmetex - State of GA Requirements https://bit.ly/3FS5bzN Sterisil Water Products  https://solmetex.com/  https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

 Spring and summer usher in mosquito season, bringing an increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases. Recently, the CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) issued a warning about Dengue virus in the U.S. The Divas delve into its transmission, symptoms, and ways to prevent exposure. Resources:CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) Ongoing Risk of Dengue Virus Infections  https://www.cdc.gov/han/2025/han00523.htmlCDC - About Dengue  https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/CDC - Travelers' Health  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travelAmerican Medical Association (AMA) How to Stay Healthy when Traveling   https://bit.ly/43VwNhi https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Since 2002, Patient Safety Awareness Week (PSAW) aims to promote patient safety throughout healthcare. This week the Divas share four key patient safety strategies for every practice and the three "A's" of patient safety and more.Resources:Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) - https://bit.ly/4icWtdLIHI - Patient Safety Essential Tool Kit - https://bit.ly/429jmZPUniversity of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry - health history forms in multiple languages -  https://bit.ly/45Yd0g5 https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Love them or hate them, utility gloves are a critical part of PPE requirements in dentistry.  In this episode, the divas will discuss which OSHA standards require the use of utility gloves, and what the CDC guidelines recommend.  We will also include tips for disinfection and storage for the gloves after use.Resources:OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard  https://bit.ly/41ZOI4YOSHA Hazard Communication Standard https://bit.ly/41La1WzOSHA PPE Standard - Hand Protection https://bit.ly/4iF2YpkCDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/rr/rr5217.pdf  https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Celebrating dental assistants is very special because assistants play a crucial role in ensuring patients' oral health, comfort and safety. Recognizing their hard work and dedication shines a light on the vital contributions they make to dentistry. Join the Divas as they celebrate Sarah Stream, MPH, CDIPC, CDA, FADAA.Resources:Dental Assisting National Board https://danb.orgThe Dale Foundation  https://www.dalefoundation.org/ https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Proper surface disinfection is an important component of patient safety and minimizing disease transmission in dental settings. Not only is it discussed in the CDC Guidelines, it's also required under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. Listen in and ensure your products and processes are up to date.Resources:CDC - Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings - 2003 https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/rr/rr5217.pdfCDC Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities - 2008, updated 2020  https://bit.ly/4gXbcYDEPA - Selected EPA-Registered Disinfectants  https://bit.ly/4bjoYDCEPA's Registered Antimicrobial Products Effective Against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) [List B]  https://bit.ly/43dIDmK https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

In this episode the Compliance Divas discuss the most recent outbreak of Measles in TX.   The cases continue to grow in numbers, and dental teams could be at risk of infection.   Learn about the signs and symptoms of this highly contagious respiratory illness, the serious complications from measles infections, especially to pregnant women and what we can do to stay informed about outbreaks, keep our patients and team members safe.Resources:Texas Dept. of State Health Services - Measles Outbreak Feb. 18, 2025 https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts/measles-outbreak-feb-18-2025 CDC - Measles Cases and Outbreaks - https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.htmlCDC - Measles (Rubeola)  https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.htmlCDC - About Measles  https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/index.htmlCDC MMWR Feb. 15, 2020 - Measles Outbreak - California 2014-2015 https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6406a5.htm https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Patient safety is the cornerstone of excellence in dentistry. Ensuring that every procedure is conducted with the utmost care to prevent patient is our #1 goal during each patient visit. Today the Divas will share some patient safety hacks that we hope you'll find useful for your practice. Resources:  The Oklahoman Sept. 18, 2013 - OK says hepatitis C was spread at dental clinic  https://bit.ly/4hsbCY9Law & Crime - Dec. 12, 2024, Multi-tasking for profit: Family sues oral surgeon after teen son dies during routing wisdom tooth procedure  https://bit.ly/3QgRaNTKIRO News 7 Nov. 3, 2023 - Piercy County dentist suspended after patient dies allegedly from procedure https://bit.ly/43dIVdpMedPro Group June 4, 2024 - Patient Sues Dentist After Refusing X-Rays - Case study  https://bit.ly/3WVIOPBSafco Dental Supply Blog - 5 Common Dental Equipment Mistakes & How to Prevent Them  https://bit.ly/41oTNnr https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

In this episode, the Compliance Divas discuss the ongoing tuberculosis outbreak in Kansas City, KS and why dental professionals should evaluate their patient screening protocols to prevent potential exposures during dental treatment.   Learn the difference between active tb disease and latent tb, risks of transmission for the public vs. dental health care workers, and identify resources for additional information regarding tuberculosis.Resources:US News and World Report – Kansas: TB Outbreak is Largest in History.  CDC: No It's Not  https://bit.ly/4hoGEQBTime Magazine - The Tuberculosis Outbreak in KS is Alarming.   Here's What the CDC Has to Say  https://bit.ly/3CERNxFCDC Tuberculosis - https://www.cdc.gov/tb/index.htmlCDC MMWR Outbreak of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis 2021-2022   https://bit.ly/4aMUOZxCDC Signs and Symptoms of Tuberculosis  https://bit.ly/4gqXwovCity of Long Beach, CA Press Release May 2024 - Localized TB Outbreak  https://bit.ly/3wF5Os1CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Healthcare Settings - 2003   https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/rr/rr5217.pdf https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

This year promises to bring many changes related to HIPAA compliance. In this episode, the Divas present three must have's for every HIPAA compliance program. Ensure that you have the basics in place in order to be prepared for the coming changes.HIPAA Security Rule Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/security/hipaa-security-rule-nprm/factsheet/index.htmlGuidance on Risk Analysis: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/security/guidance/guidance-risk-analysis/index.html https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

What's on your 2025 compliance radar?  This episode will help you "dial in" important compliance topics that have captured the Divas' attention and should be on your radar. Don't miss this episode, start your year off on a great start! https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Are you aware that dental professionals may be the first to identify victims of sex trafficking? Victims may come into the dental office as a patient due to oral injuries. A sex trafficker may also bring the individual in for cosmetic care to make them more desirable and marketable to their clientele.  The Divas will discuss what dental professionals should look for  and what dental professionals required to report if sex trafficking is suspected.Resources:U.S. Dept. of State - National Human Trafficking Prevention Month Fact Sheet  https://www.state.gov/national-human-trafficking-prevention-month/Decisions in Dentistry - Human Trafficking: Red Flags for Dental Professionals   https://decisionsindentistry.com/article/human-trafficking-red-flags-dental-professionals/Human Trafficking:  Oral Health Can Tell a Story That Victims Cannot  https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/14279251/human-trafficking-oral-health-can-tell-a-story-that-victims-cannotNational Human Trafficking Hotline https://humantraffickinghotline.org/enMandatory Reporting of Oral Injuries Indicating Possible Child Abuse  https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(14)61169-7/abstract https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

This episode brings to light how you can prevent pain, boost productivity and extend your dental career with evidenced-based ergonomics.  We interviewed Dr. Bethany Valachi of Posturedontics, an international speaker and author.  Be sure to tune in and learn how you can make your job less painful.Resources:Posturedontics: https://posturedontics.com/ FDI - World Dental Federation - Posture Guidelines for Oral Health Professionals  https://www.fdiworlddental.org/sites/default/files/2021-04/FDI_HSDW_ergonomics_and_posture_guidelines_eng_2021.pdf https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

The CDC states that noroviruses, which can cause severe, but short-term illness are spreading throughout the country.   The Divas discuss signs, symptoms, and methods of lessening the incidence of this very contagious virus.Resources:CDC Norovirus  https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/index.htmlCDC Norovirus Outbreaks  https://bit.ly/4gA55tP https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

The Divas share their favorite podcast episodes of 2024. We also share tips on how to utilize the show notes for each episode where you will find valuable checklists and tools for safety meetings, morning huddles, and training new team members. What was your 2024 favorite podcast?  Compliance Divas website: https://www.thecompliancedivas.com/ https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Ever wonder what phishing is and how it relates to HIPAA compliance?  In this episode, the Divas review what phishing emails are and how artificial intelligence (AI) is super-charging ransomware. Don't miss this short, yet insightful episode.Becker's Hospital: https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/cybersecurity/10-most-common-phishing-emails.html?origin=BHRSUN&oly_enc_id=9773B1009234C3DTech Target: https://www.techtarget.com/searchSecurity/tip/Generative-AI-is-making-phishing-attacks-more-dangerous https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Is this new strain of mPox something to be concerned about?  Has it spread beyond California? Join the Divas as they unravel any mystery behind this new strain so you can continue to stay abreast of the latest information related to disease transmission.American Hospital Association: https://www.aha.org/news/headline/2024-11-18-california-confirms-first-known-us-case-deadlier-mpox-strainCDC: https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/situation-summary/index.html https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Flying debris during dental treatment can cause eye injuries!  Listen as the Divas interview Dr. Peter Arsenault, a dentist who is a change agent for better eye protection for dental professionals and is responsible for a new, enforceable standard for eye safety in a the dental setting.Resources:OSHA Standard 1910.133 Eye and Face Protection https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.133MA Dental Journal - A Comprehensive Study Evaluating Dental Patient Eye Safety with a Focus on Biological and Physical Hazards https://mydigimag.rrd.com/publication/?i=835994&p=34&view=issueViewer https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

In this episode the Divas discuss everything dental teams need to know about dental burs, diamonds, finishing burs, endo files, and implant files.  The most import question to be answered is whether those items can or cannot be reused, after they are cleaned and sterilized, or are they single use items.   The FDA has a lot to say about this in instructions for use and labeling.   Learn what it all means.Resources:CDC Summary of Infection Prevention Control in Dental Settings https://www.cdc.gov/dental-infection-control/hcp/index.htmlCDC Best Practices in Dental Infection Prevention and Control  https://www.cdc.gov/dental-infection-control/hcp/dental-ipc-faqs/index.htmlFDA - Overview of Medical Device Classification and Reclassification  https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/cdrh-transparency/overview-medical-device-classification-and-reclassificationFDA Title 21 Subchapter H - Medical Devices - Part 801 Labeling  https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfCFR/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=801FDA Labeling Symbols  https://www.bsigroup.com/globalassets/meddev/localfiles/it-it/webinars/bsi-md-symbols-and-information-to-be-provided-by-the-manufacturer-webinar.pdf https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

In this episode, the DIvas interview Caitlin, a hygienist who served as an OSHA compliance officer for the state of TN.   Caitlin shares important details about OSHA inspections, top violations and how important it is to be cooperative with an inspector if they come to your practice.Resources:OSHA Fact Sheet on Inspections  https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/factsheet-inspections.pdfOSHA Establishment Search - Data on OSHA Inspections   https://www.osha.gov/ords/imis/establishment.htmlOSHA Inspections, Citations, and Proposed Penalties  https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1903/1903.3 https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

When dental equipment is not functioning properly, there is costly down time and repairs. In this episode, the Compliance Divas interview Donnye Bucy, owner of Dental Solutions based out of Murray, KY. Donnye will share his insights on how you can best maintain your equipment and handpieces to save time and money.Equipment Checklist: /https://www.benco.com/benco-dental-u/article/how-to-care-for-your-dental-equipment-a-handy-maintenance-checklist/Dental Assistant's Guide to Dental Equipment Maintenance: https://www.dentistryiq.com/dental-assisting/workplace-safety/article/16359418/the -dental-assistants-guide-to-dental-equipment-maintenanceDental Solutions Equipment Repair, Murray, Kentucky. http://www.dentalsolutionsbucy.com/ https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Is water testing a chore in your office? Are you feeling overwhelmed because you're the sole person managing waterlines in your practice. We have the solution for you! This podcast will not only deepen your knowledge regarding waterlines but so will these tips.Solmetex Waterline Solutions. https://solmetex.com/water-solutions/ https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

What is the one area in every dental office that becomes highly contaminated that we don't usually think about?  If you say "sinks", you would be right.   In this episode, the Divas discuss splash zones and infection prevention and control.   It's an eye opener!Resources:CDC Considerations for Reducing Risk:  Water in Health Care Facilities  https://bit.ly/3YJOJssInfection Prevention and Control Resource Hub - Water Management:  Sinks and Drains  https://bit.ly/4eYXULe https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

The California Dental Board has implemented new rules affecting unlicensed and Registered Dental Assistants in CA.   These rules have a 1-1-2025 deadline for compliance and our resident expert, Leslie Canham, will explain all of the upcoming changes.Resources:CA Dental Board Statutes and Regulations https://bit.ly/4hgYsO5 CA Allowable Duties of Registered Dental Assistant https://bit.ly/4f0ATYiCDA - Licensure and scope changes will affect CA dental practices in 2025 https://bit.ly/48nuzY6 https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

The devastating effects of Hurricane Helene is a sobering reminder that dental practices most have plans in place of how to prepare and respond to this type of emergency. Tune in to Part 1 where the Divas discuss the clinical aspect of dealing with a hurricane emergency. Part 2 will discuss HIPAA considerations. Boil Water Advisory Plan for Dental Practices. https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dental-Office-Boil-Water-Advisory-Plan-9-10-2024.pdfCDC Hurricane Preparedness. https://www.cdc.gov/hurricanes/php/preparedness-and-safety-messaging/index.html https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Recently, OSHA updated the Hazard Communication Standard, which became effective July 19, 2024. What does this mean for your practice? While there will be changes to implement, there is still plenty of time to learn more and prepare. This episode reviews the compliance deadlines and key updates.Updated Hazard Communication Standard: https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/HCS_side-by-side.pdf https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Keeping up with the CDC's many changes to its guidance for COVID-19 has been challenging at best.   And we have yet another update as of June 2024.  In this episode the Divas discuss this update, the current status of COVID-19 occurrence as well as other respiratory viruses.   Join us for a lively discussion about protecting patients and the dental team from respiratory infections.Resources:CDC Infection Control Guidance SARS-CoV-2 (6/24/24)  https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/infection-control/index.htmlSubscribe to CDC Updates   https://tools.cdc.gov/campaignproxyservice/subscriptions.aspx https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Have you ever "cleaned" the computer keyboard and mouse in your treatment room? Likely it's contaminated, although barriers help, but CDC guidelines state that even barrier protected equipment like computers hardware should be cleaned and disinfected between patients. Divas Discount Code: CompDivas102016 CDC Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings-Basic expectations for Safe Dental Care-Page 16-17. https://www.cdc.gov/dental-infection-control/hcp/summary/index.html Man and Machine. https://www.man-machine.com/ https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Social media, such as Tik Tok, Instagram, Facebook and others have become very popular marketing channels for dental practices.  Join the Divas for a lively discussion on what we should and shouldn't show on these posts if we want to promote the concept safe oral healthcare to our patients. https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

 Who better to update dental teams on what is currently happening with respect to infection and control than, our friend and internationally know expert, Dr. John Molinari.  Join the Divas as they ask Dr. Molinari about COVID surges, Fifth Disease, Avian flu and more as we kick off Dental Infection Control Awareness Month (DICAM). https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

What happens when an ethical dilemma occurs in your practice? In this episode, the Divas highlight ethical and professional responsibility and how to avoid common ethical issues and how to mitigate them if they occur.Resources:ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Conduct  https://bit.ly/3Z9h8IGNY Post - Dental officers laugh as they read cancer patient's diary  https://bit.ly/476P3Ul https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

On August 14th, the WHO declared a global health emergency due to the rising cases of Mpox. While this does not mean we heading into another pandemic, it's important to stay up to date. In this episode, the Divas discuss what constitutes a global health emergency, what exactly is Mpox, and how could it impact your practice. CDC Mpox Response: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/response/2022/mpx-trends.htmlCDC About Mpox: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/about/index.htmlCDC Clinicians and Infection Control: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/clinicians/infection-control-healthcare.htmlCDC Ocular Infection: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/clinicians/ocular-infection.html https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Did you know that the noises encountered in a dental practice can make dental team members susceptible to the development of permanent hearing loss?  Learn which devices and equipment produce the highest levels of sound, and what does OSHA say about exposure to high levels of sound in the workplace.  The Divas also discuss methods of protecting against hearing loss.ResourcesCDC/NIOSH - About Occupational Hearing Loss  https://bit.ly/3SMCrMeCDC/NIOSH - Noise and Hearing Loss  https://bit.ly/3SK1Ia1SoundEar A/S - About Decibels  https://bit.ly/46I7u1yCDC/NIOSH - About Noise https://bit.ly/3SK1Ia1American Dental Association - Safety Tips to Prevent Hearing Loss  https://bit.ly/4diHX1jToday's RDH - Hearing Loss in Dentistry: A Silent Topic  https://bit.ly/4cpoqeHDental Economics - The Deafening Silence in Dentistry  https://bit.ly/4dj1jUh https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Testing the dental unit water lines is a critical task in infection prevention and control.   But how do you test?  How often do you test? And, how do you find the time to test the waterlines?   The Divas explore the new Fast Check 15 dental unit waterline test and explain the step-by-step protocol to make this task simple to perform.  The Divas are joined by Brian Mergentine, of Solmetex, dentistry's complete provider of water solutions.Resources:Journal of the American Dental Association - Dental Unit Waterline Infection Control Practice and Knowledge Gaps  https://bit.ly/3WM8ONuAmerican Dental Association Resources - Dental Unit Waterlines  https://bit.ly/3WJ9mnn  CDC - Dental Unit Water Quality https://bit.ly/4c8wUqjSolmetex - Sterisil Product Series  https://bit.ly/3yb9mTWSolmetex Customer Resources  https://bit.ly/4chXJZm https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

You likely have Patients who are deaf or hard of hearing in your practice. Mis-understanding  recommended dental care can lead to poor outcomes. The Divas discuss patient's rights, the dentist's obligations, and effective communicate skills.  The podcast will address hearing issues that can develop for dental team members exposed to noises in the dental office.Resources:Univ. of Washington Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology - How Are the Terms Deaf, Deafened, Hard of Hearing and Hearing Impaired Typically Used? https://bit.ly/3Wcdb2O Univ. of Washington School of Dentistry - Oral Health Fact Sheet for Dental Professionals - Children with Hearing-Impairment https://bit.ly/3LrEZv8 Univ. of Washington School of Dentistry - Oral Health Fact Sheet for Dental Professionals - Ad with Hearing-Impairment https://bit.ly/3xYxWHrMI Dental Association - Hearing-Impaired Patients:  Your Legal Obligations  https://bit.ly/3xS0B0R  American Dental Association:  Serving the Hearing-Impaired https://bit.ly/3LvlnGG  https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is intended to advance health care equity and reduce disparities in health care that may occur through discriminatory practices, or the inability of health care providers to communicate effectively with patients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP).  In this episode the Divas discuss what dental practices must do to come into compliance with the changes in this rule.Resources:Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Strengthening Nondiscrimination Protections and Advancing Civil Rights in Health Care Through Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act:  Fact Sheethttps://bit.ly/3VYMKhhADA Section 1557:   All you need to Know Regarding Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act  https://bit.ly/45XFoPwADA – Section 1557:  The Basics on What You Must do to Comply   https://bit.ly/3S1mmSIADA Section 1557:  Individuals with Limited Language Efficiency (LEP)  https://bit.ly/4cqGypbHealthCare.gov – Affordable Care Act resources https://bit.ly/3VWdRJD University of the Pacific School of Dentistry  https://bit.ly/45Yd0g5  https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Sterilization monitoring, known as spore testing, is a key element in quality assurance for instrument sterilization.  Join the Divas for a lively discussion about protocols to follow if a spore test fails, comparison of in-office vs. mail testing, developing a mediation plan and much more.Resources:CDC Best Practices for Sterilization Monitoring in Dental Settings https://bit.ly/3L6HzXh CDC Breach response process document:  https://bit.ly/3znzLxTCDC Patient Notification Toolkit: https://bit.ly/3XLbU5i HuFriedy Group Sterilization Solutions: https://bit.ly/3VQZ1nROutbreaks and Infection Control Breaches in Health Care Settings:  Considerations for Patient Notification   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32284161/ https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Earlier this year, Change Healthcare, a division of United Health Group, experienced a security breach that affected many dental practices in the U.S.  The Protected Health Information of numerous patients was exposed in the breach.  Join the Divas as we discuss how the investigation is progressing, and what dental practices need to know about patient notifications required by the HIPAA Breach Notification Rule.Resources:Change Healthcare Consumer Support Page https://bit.ly/3XHc2D6Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Statement Regarding the Cyberattack on Change Healthcare.  https://bit.ly/3RIMP7tDHHS Letter to Healthcare leaders on the Cyberattack on Change Healthcare  https://bit.ly/4ckpGAyOlivia Wann Blog - Important Information on the Change Healthcare Cybersecurity Incident https://bit.ly/3VNITncThe HIPAA Journal - Change Healthcare Starts Notifying Entities Affected by February Ransomware Attack https://bit.ly/3XMiKHE https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Since the COVID pandemic, online education is every popular.  Flexibility and affordability is highly desirable. In-person education remains a valuable component to training. Explore the options and benefits of online and in-person training and CE with the Compliance Divas. Resources:American Dental Association (ADA) - List of State Dental Boards   https://bit.ly/4dBAXxqDental Assisting National Board - https://bit.ly/3Xuj4uwADA New Dentist Blog - Online or In-Person:  Choosing the Right CE Course   https://bit.ly/3KWpPOdNational Institutes of Health (NIH) Observations from Transforming a Continuing Education Programme in the COVID-19 Era and Preparing for the Future  https://bit.ly/4c4maKnWebpt - Internet or In-Person:  The Pros and Cons of Online CEU courses  https://bit.ly/3Rx84c0Continu Blog - In-Person vs. Online Training:  What Does the Research Say?   https://bit.ly/45xKaDd https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

For 40 years the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) has been the global leader for the Safest Dental Visit. In this episode, the Divas share updates from the recent conference. And be sure to listen in for OSAP's big rebranding announcement!Association for Dental Safety: https://www.osap.org/Rebranding video: https://bit.ly/3yTYPfx https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

By making small changes, you can make a big difference for patients with special needs and their families. Every community has patients with autism, and everyone with autism needs a dentist. In this episode, the Divas share ideas and resources when caring for patients with Autism.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, April 4). Data & Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/autism/data-research/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.htmlTreating Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder - Dimensions. (n.d.). Dimensions of Dental Hygiene: https://dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com/article/treating-patients-with-autism-spectrum-disorder/Autism Speaks-The Dental Toolkit:  https://www.autismspeaks.org/tool-kit/dentist-for-kids-with-autismSouthwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) Dental Care for Individuals with Autism:  https://autismcenter.org/dental-care-individuals-autism/ https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Chemical Inventory Lists are one of the most misunderstood requirements of OSHA's Hazard Communication List. Is your Chemical Inventory List compliant?  Listen in as the Divas explain in more detail. Guidance for Hazard Determination: https://www.osha.gov/hazcom/ghd053107#documentation Haz Com Compliance Directives: https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/enforcement/directives/CPL_02-02-079.pdf Steps to an Effective Haz Com Program: https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3696.pdfTennessee OSHA: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/workforce/documents/Employees/SafetyHealth/WhatToDoBookletGHS.pdf https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Is using your personal cell phone for work-related tasks possibly a HIPAA violation?  This week the Divas discuss the pros and cons of using a personal device for work and what you should do to be compliant. HealthIt: Managing Mobile Devices in Your Healthcare Organization: https://www.healthit.gov/sites/default/files/fact-sheet-managing-mobile-devices-in-your-health-care-organization.pdf HHS Mobile Device Checklist: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/hph-mobile-device-security-checklist-tlpclear.pdfOCR Cybersecurity Newsletter: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/october-2017-ocr-cybersecurity-newsletter.pdf  https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Someone Enters your practice who is hostile, angry, making threats and/or brandishing a weapon.   What would you do?  How can you prepare as a team for a potential situation like this?  The Divas discuss recent incidents of workplace violence in dentistry and what every team needs to know to be prepared.  It could save your life!OSHA General Duty Clause Letter of Interpretation  https://bit.ly/3pwooicOSHA General Duty Clause Employer and Employee Responsibilities   https://bit.ly/4dojf06OSHA Enforcement Procedures for Occupational Exposure to Workplace Violence   https://bit.ly/44AQREaOSHA How to Plan for Workplace Emergencies and Evacuations  https://bit.ly/3wpymWo CDC Types of Workplace Violence  https://bit.ly/4drc5YVOSHA Guidelines for Preventing Workplace Violence for Healthcare and Social Service Workers  https://bit.ly/3UOBLaUFEMA Poster: Be Prepared for an Active Shooter  https://bit.ly/4dFXBVoOSHA Workplace Violence Prevention and Related Goals  https://bit.ly/4b5Nwz3 https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

How would you like to know the results of your dental unit waterlines in 15minutes? No more waiting days to find out if the water you are using during patient care is actually safe for patients. Check out the Sterisil FastCheck15 today!Solmetex: https://solmetex.com/sterisil-product-series/ https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Technology is not only impacting sterilization centers, it's also impacting many lab procedures. This in turn impacts worker safety and compliance. Has your lab undergone a "makeover" recently with newer products and devices? If so, check out this episode of the Compliance Divas. CDC Guidelines: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/rr/rr5217.pdfFrom Policy to Practice: OSAP's Guide to the CDC Guidelines (2022 Edition): https://www.osap.org/from-policy-to-practice-osap-guide-to-the-cdc-guidelines-2022-edition https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Recently, Walgreens was ordered to pay $205,000 in EEOC pregnancy and disability discrimination.  This podcast focuses on dealing with pregnant workers, especially clinical personnel such as assistants, hygienists, and dentists who are working hands-on with patients day-to-day.  American Dental Association Pregnancy Tips: https://bit.ly/3xEAgmhEEOC Pregnant Workers Fairness Act: https://bit.ly/3U0L1XHPregnant Workers Fairness Act poster: https://bit.ly/3W5g0EK https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Since mid-March, the CDC has issued several health alerts through its Health Alert Network (HAN).  The most recent concerns are the increased number of tuberculosis cases in the U.S., a virulent form of meningococcal disease, and Avian Flu' which are all infectious respiratory diseases.   Learn what dental teams need to know and how to protect from these respiratory infections.Resources:Sign up for HAN Email Updates https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/updates.aspCDC HAN - Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1)  https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2024/han00506.aspCDC Increase in Invasive Serogroup Y Meningococcal Disease in the U.S.  https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2024/han00505.aspCDC Increase In Global and Domestic Measles Cases and Outbreaks  https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2024/han00504.asp https://www.thecompliancedivas.com