On February 14, 2011, HHS entered into a Resolution Agreement with The General Hospital Corporation and Massachusetts General Physicians Organization, Inc., (Mass General) to settle potential violations of the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules. In the agreement, Mass General agrees to pay $1,000,000 and enter into a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) to implement policies and procedures to safeguard the privacy of its patients. The incident giving rise to the agreement involved the loss of protected health information (PHI) of 192 patients of Mass General’s Infectious Disease Associates outpatient practice, including patients with HIV/AIDS.
May 042012
| HHS’ Office for Civil Rights is responsible for enforcing the Privacy and Security Rules. Enforcement of the Privacy Rule began April 14, 2003 for most HIPAAcovered entities. Since 2003, OCR’s enforcement activities have obtained significant results that have improved the privacy practices of covered entities. The corrective actions obtained by OCR from covered entities have resulted in systemic change that has improved the privacy protection of health information for all individuals they serve.HIPAA covered entities were required to comply with the Security Rule beginning on April 20, 2005. OCR became responsible for enforcing the Security Rule on July 27, 2009. |
The HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has issued a Notice of Final Determination finding that a covered entity, Cignet Health of Prince George’s County, MD (Cignet), violated the Privacy Rule of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). HHS has imposed a civil money penalty (CMP) of $4.3 million for the violations, representing the first CMP issued by the Department for violations of the HIPAA Privacy Rule. The CMP is based on the violation categories and increased penalty amounts authorized by Section 13410(d) of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act.
May 022012
(As of March 31, 2012)
The HIPAA Privacy Rule is a set of federal standards to protect the privacy of patients’ medical records and other health information maintained by covered entities: health plans, which include many governmental health programs, such as the Veterans Health Administration, Medicare and Medicaid; most doctors, hospitals and many other health care providers; and health care clearinghouses. These standards provide patients with access to their medical records and with significant control over how their personal health information is used and disclosed. Compliance with the standards was required as of April 14, 2003 for most entities covered by HIPAA. On that date, OCR began accepting complaints involving the privacy of personal health information in the health care system.
The HIPAA Security Rule establishes national standards for the security of electronic protected health information. The final rule adopting HIPAA standards for security was published in the Federal Register on February 20, 2003. This final rule specifies a series of administrative, technical, and physical security procedures for covered entities to use to assure the confidentiality of electronic protected health information. The standards are delineated into either required or addressable implementation specifications. Compliance with the standards was required as of April 20, 2005, for most entities covered by HIPAA. The authority to administer and enforce the Security Rule was transferred to OCR on July 27, 2009.
Written by Dentistry Today
Asia’s leading dental platform continues to elevate the level of dentistry in the region by bringing together the best speakers and innovations in a single location.
The International Dental Exhibition and Meeting (IDEM) Singapore 2012 drew to a close today after four days of robust discussions, knowledge exchange and networking. A total of 7,243 global dental practitioners and professionals congregated at Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre for IDEM Singapore 2012, an increase of close to 20 percent from 2010.
Jointly organized by Koelnmesse and the Singapore Dental Association, IDEM Singapore was held from 20 to 22 April 2012 with a post-congress session held today. As the platform of choice for industry players in the dental market, the biennial dental Trade Fair and Conference provided an excellent opportunity for interaction between established leaders in the field, new entrants in the arena, industry experts and dental trade professionals.
The region’s largest dental showcase
The IDEM Singapore 2012 Trade Fair provided an expanded showcase of the latest dental equipment from across the globe, with a 20 percent increase in exhibition floor space. A total of 422 exhibitors from 36 countries presented exhibits ranging from preventive and restorative treatment procedures to surgical equipment and laboratory tools.
Indianapolis, IN – April 26, 2012 – AMD LASERS, a global leader in affordable dental lasers and dental laser education, has announced a new booth presence at the upcoming CDA Spring from May 3 – 5, 2012 in Anaheim, CA. The AMD LASERS’ booth can be found near one of the main entry ways of the exhibition halls across from its parent company Dentsply International.
The booth will feature three interactive workstations mounted near AMD LASERS’ prominent white wall with three plasma displays showcasing clinical applications that can be performed with Picasso laser technology. The booth will also feature product display cases, a lounge, and end cap kiosks with media displays showcasing promotional and clinical media.
“This is the first major dental trade show where AMD LASERS and Dentsply will be in close proximity,” said Alan Miller, President and Founder, AMD LASERS. “We look forward to being close to Dentsply’s iconic village, which will help us share the amazing benefits of laser dentistry to more dental professionals,” he said.
Along with a new booth presence, prospective or current laser owners will have the opportunity to see Picasso laser technology in use in lecture topics ranging from esthetics, implants, and interdisciplinary care by notable laser clinicians Drs. Paresh Shah and David Little. Clinicians will also have the opportunity to experience Picasso laser technology in an interactive hands-on environment at the “Wonderful World of Lasers in Dentistry” moderated by Dr. Don Coluzzi on Thursday and Friday at 10am – 12:30pm and 2:30pm – 5pm.
Experience AMD LASERS at the CDA Spring in booth#1506 and also join our community on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/official.amdlasers, Twitter at www.twitter.com/amdlasers, and YouTube at www.youtube.com/amdlasers.
About AMD LASERS
AMD LASERS is the global leader at providing ultra-affordable laser technology for dental professionals preparing to take their practice to the next level. The integration of the Picasso line of soft tissue dental lasers enables every dental practice to affordably provide treatment for soft tissue surgery, periodontal treatment, endodontic treatment, and laser whitening. For more, visitwww.amdlasers.com.
Written by Dentistry Today
The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) supports the American Heart Association’s (AHA) scientific statement “Periodontal Disease and Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease: Does the Evidence Support an Independent Association?” recently published in Circulation. The statement concludes that observational studies to date support an association between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, independent of shared risk factors. The AHA’s statement confirms the conclusions of the statements published by the AAP and The American Journal of Cardiology in 2009 and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in 2008.
While current research does not yet provide evidence of a causal relationship between the two diseases, scientists have identified biologic factors, such as chronic inflammation, that independently link periodontal disease to the development or progression of cardiovascular disease in some patients.
The lack of causal evidence should not diminish concern about the impact of periodontal status on cardiovascular health. According to Pamela McClain, DDS, president of the American Academy of Periodontology and a practicing periodontist in Aurora, Colorado, “Periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease are both complex, multi-factorial diseases that develop over time. It may be overly simplistic to expect a direct causal link. The relationship between the diseases is more likely to be mediated by numerous other factors, mechanisms, and circumstances that we have yet to uncover. However, as the AHA statement points out, the association is real and independent of shared risk factors. Patients and healthcare providers should not ignore the increased risk of heart disease associated with gum disease just because we do not have all the answers yet.”
The AAP believes additional long-term interventional studies are needed to better understand the specific nature of the relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. Patients’ periodontal status should also be added to future longitudinal studies of cardiovascular disease. The AAP hopes that the American Heart Association’s statement brings attention to the association between the two diseases and the need for additional research in this area.
Dr. McClain encourages physicians and dentists to communicate the association between cardiovascular disease and periodontal disease to patients. “It is not as simple as telling a patient that brushing and flossing will ward off a heart attack,” says Dr. McClain. “Patients should be aware that by maintaining periodontal health, they are helping to reduce harmful inflammation in the body, which has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.”
Patients should expect to receive a comprehensive periodontal evaluation from their dental professional at least once a year, adds Dr. McClain. This includes a detailed examination of the teeth and gums, and an assessment of risk factors such as smoking, age, and overall health status. In addition, patients diagnosed with periodontal disease should be sure to inform their general health care provider and/or cardiologist to encourage better integration of their care.
“There is no compelling evidence to support that treating periodontal disease will reduce cardiovascular disease at this time,” says Dr. McClain, “but we do know that periodontal care will improve your oral health status, reduce systemic inflammation, and might be good for your heart as well.”
For more information about periodontal disease, visit perio.org.
About the AAP
The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization for periodontists – specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also dentistry’s experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. They receive three additional years of specialized training following dental school, and periodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. The AAP has 8,400 members worldwide.
Written by Dentistry Today
Tuesday, 24 April 2012 19:36
Children may adapt their eating habits to their oral health.
A group of researchers at the University of Queensland Children’s Nutrition Research Centre and School of Dentistry are conducting a study analyzing this issue. There have been studies regarding this phenomenon in the past, but the possibility of people adapting their eating habits to their oral health was only looked at for adults.
According to a study by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, one’s diet is impacted by dental problems.
The goal of this particular study is to find out if indeed children with some form of decay or other dental problem change their appetite accordingly. The study will also focus on the impact these changes have on the child’s body and if they become more susceptible to long-term illnesses later in life.
If these findings appear to be true, screening tests and prevention programs could be created for children vulnerable to these issues.
Written by Don Deems, DDS
For a dentist to work with a personal coach is a relatively new concept to dentistry. As one of only a handful of dentists in the United States who is both a practicing dentist and a trained professional personal and business coach, I can tell you that the use of a professional coach is a rare phenomenon. Why would a dentist use a professional coach instead of a practice management consultant, therapist, industrial psychologist, financial planner, or any one of a number of other professionals to help them and their practice? The answer seems to elude many, so I will tell you the story of a young dentist who chose to work with a professional coach, and what happened as a result.
Apr 202012
Written by Roger P. Levin, DDS
Face it, most dental practices don’t have dream teams. Sure, dentists like to think of their “staff” as a “team,” and sometimes even as a “family.” However, the harsh truth is that most practices don’t have a team—they have a group of individuals who are doing the best they can to properly complete their individual duties and get through the day.
Creating a strong team is extremely challenging for a variety of reasons. Every dentist faces a time crunch: That’s just the nature of being both the practice’s main producer and its owner. Due to the hectic pace of many dental practices, team building often becomes a lower priority. A concerted focus on active team building can pay huge dividends in terms of increased productivity, improved morale, and lower stress.
Remember, your team is one of your practice’s greatest assets. During this difficult economy, you need to maximize all of your resources. Building a stronger team is one of the best investments dentists can make to ensure their future success.
FIVE ACTION STEPS FOR TEAM BUILDING
Here are 5 action steps that turn your staff—a group of individuals with various skills, talents and interests—into your dream team:
