Dental Practice Act/Law & Ethics OBJECTIVES
Dental Practice Act/Law & Ethics OBJECTIVES Here is a list of objectives to accompany the Adobe lectures provided for the class. Use this list as your study guide to help prepare for the Dental Practice Act/ Law & Ethics exam. The final exam is a multiple-choice test given during class on Saturday, April 25th, 2015. LAW & ETHICS OBJECTIVES April 2015 LAW & ETHICS OBJECTIVES • • Pronounce, define, and spell the Key Terms Explain and give examples of the basic principles of ethics • Explain the difference between being “legal” and being “ethical” • Explain the purpose of the State Dental Practice Act • Explain the purpose for licensing dental health professionals • Describe the types of dental auxiliary supervision • Explain the circumstances required for patient abandonment • Explain the principle of contributory negligence • Describe the difference between written and implied consent • Demonstrate how to make corrections on a patient’s record • Discuss the indication of child abuse and neglect • Explain the purpose of HIPAA LAW & ETHICS OBJECTIVES April 2015 Law and Ethics Exam Preparation The following are important terms to know: Using the following Key Terms research the definition. Write definitions on a separated piece of paper. Bring to class for discussion 1. Abandonment 15. Fiduciary Responsibility 2. Amoral 16. General Supervision 3. Autonomous 17. Harassment 4. Battery 18. Impaired Professional 5. Beneficence 19. Implied Consent 6. Character 20. Informed Consent 7. Code of Ethics 21. Malpractice 8. Competency 22. Negligence 9. Confidentiality 23. Nonmaleficence 10. Defamation 24. Professionalism 11. Implied 25. Regulation 12. Direct Supervision 26. Scope of Practice 13. Discrimination 27. Veracity 14. Ethics Dental Ethics Dentistry is a profession different from general businesses. As a professional dental assistant, you are bound by an ethical code of conduct. Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 1 Introduction Ethics deals with moral conduct (right and wrong behavior) and good and evil. Ethics includes values, high standards of conduct, and professional and personal obligations in interacting with each other. These qualities are important to us as dental healthcare professionals, as we provide dental care to our patients. Ethics seeks to answer two basic questions: What should I do? Why should I do it? Ethics refers to what you should do, not what you must do. The law deals with what you must do. Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 2 Sources for Ethics You have been learning personal ethics throughout your life in a variety of ways from the following sources: Basic instinct Parents Teachers Religion Observation of other people’s behavior Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 3 Basic Principles of Ethics Regard for self-determination A regard for self-determination (autonomy) includes the right to privacy, freedom of choice, and the acceptance of responsibility for one’s own actions. To “do no harm” Promotion of well-being Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 4 Basic Principles of Ethics Regard for justice A regard for justice involves treating people fairly and giving them what they deserve and are entitled to receive. Veracity Privacy Continuing education Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 5 Confidentiality Confidentiality is a very important issue in the health profession. Healthcare professionals have an obligation to respect the patient’s privacy. However, conflicts involving the principle of confidentiality, such as in reporting suspected child or elder abuse, will arise. Sometimes the patient’s right to confidentiality must be balanced against the rights of other individuals. Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 6 Examples of Ethical Principles Informing a sales clerk that he or she has undercharged you for an item (principle of justice) Admitting that you have made a serious error (principle of autonomy) Helping a fellow student study (principle of well-being) Refusing to gossip about a fellow student (principle of doing no harm) Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 7 Examples of Unethical Behavior Charging the patient for a full set of x-rays when only six films were taken (principle of justice) Pressuring a classmate into a decision (principle of autonomy) Refusing to help a classmate learn (principle of well-being) Harming another person by repeating gossip about him or her (principle of doing no harm) Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 8 Professional Code of Ethics All of the major professions (e.g., dental, medical, legal) have written codes of ethics. These are voluntary standards of behavior, not laws, and serve as a method of selfpolicing within a profession. The codes of ethics of most professions have been revised to keep them consistent with the times, but there has never been a change in the moral intent or overall idealism. Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 9 Professional Code of Ethics Reasons for a Code of Ethics To demonstrate to the public the standard of conduct that can be expected from its members. To increase the ethical consciousness and ethical responsibility of its members. To guide its members in making informed ethical decisions. To establish a standard for professional judgment and conduct. Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 10 The Difference Between Ethics and Law Legal issues are settled with the use of laws and court decisions. Ethical issues are subject to individual interpretation with regard to the right or wrong of a particular situation. Laws are very specific and are written by people authorized to write them. The law is often referred to as being “black and white” or “right or wrong.” Ethics are less specific and have more gray areas. Ethics are the conscience of the profession. Laws set the minimum standard of behavior; ethics set the highest standard of behavior. Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 11 Applying Ethical Principles You may be faced with a situation in which your dentist employer’s conduct violates ethical standards. Before you make any judgments, be absolutely certain of all the information and circumstances. If violations of ethical conduct have been committed, you must make some decisions. Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 12 Ethical Dilemmas Do you wish to remain under these circumstances? Should you seek other employment? If you remain, will it affect you in the eyes of future employers? Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 13 Ethical Dilemmas These decisions are difficult, especially if you like your employer and enjoy your job. A dental assistant is not legally obligated to report questionable actions on the part of the dentist or to try to alter the circumstances. However, an ethical dental assistant will not wish to participate in substandard care or unlawful practices that may be harmful to patients. Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 14 Steps for Solving Ethical Dilemmas Step 1: Identify the alternatives. Step 2: Determine all implications. Step 3: Rank the alternatives. Step 4: Choose a course of action. Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 15 Dentistry and the Law Regulations regarding dental auxiliaries vary greatly from state to state, and the roles and the responsibilities of dental auxiliaries also vary from state to state. Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 1 Statutory Law Criminal law involves crimes against society Felony Misdemeanor Infraction Civil law involves crimes against an individual Contract law Tort law Administrative law 2 Contract Law Expressed contracts Established through the written word or by verbal agreement. Commonly used when the required treatment is extensive or will take a long time to complete. Implied contracts Established by actions not words. For example, if a patient comes to the dentist with a toothache and allows the dentist to examine him or her, it is implied that the patient wants treatment. 3 Tort Law A tort is a wrongful act by one person that results in injury to another. It may happen accidentally (negligence) or be done intentionally. For example, a dental auxiliary places x-rays on the wrong side of the mount. The dentist notices the error and turns the films over, and no harm is done to the patient. No tort has occurred. However, if the dentist does not notice the error and extracts the tooth on the wrong side of the mouth because of the error in film mounting, a tort has occurred. 4 State Dental Practice Act The primary purpose of a dental practice act is to protect the public from incompetent practitioners. The dental practice act specifies the legal requirements for the practice of dentistry within each state. An administrative board, usually called the Board of Dentistry, interprets and implements state regulations. Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 5 Included in the Dental Practice Act Requirements for licensure Grounds for revocation or suspension Requirements for continuing education Duties delegated to auxiliaries Infection-control regulations Requirements for persons exposing dental radiographs Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 6 Board of Dentistry The members of the state board of dentistry (also referred to in some states as the dental board) are appointed by the governor of the state. The board adopts rules and regulations that define, interpret, and implement the intent of the dental practice act. The board regulates and enforces the laws of practice for dentistry within the state. Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 7 Board of Dentistry Licensure The purpose of licensure is to protect the public from unqualified or incompetent practitioners. It is very important to understand the requirements for practice in your state. In every state, anyone who practices dentistry without a license is guilty of an illegal act. Licensure by credential allows an individual licensed in one state to become licensed in another state IF certain requirements are met. Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 8 Board of Dentistry Licensure by Credential Allows an individual currently licensed in one state to become licensed in another state IF certain requirements are met Requirements vary by state 9 Expanded Functions and Supervision Expanded functions are specific intraoral functions delegated to qualified dental auxiliaries with additional skill and training. When these functions are included in the dental practice act, the dentist may delegate them to the dental auxiliary. Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 10 Expanded Functions and Supervision Doctrine of Respondeat Superior Respondeat superior means that the employer is responsible for any harm caused by the actions of an employee while the employee is carrying out the business of the employer. In a dental practice, this means that the patient may sue the dentist for an error committed by the dental assistant or dental hygienist. The employee is also responsible for his or her own actions, and the injured patient may also file suit against the dental assistant. Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 11 Expanded Functions and Supervision Patient of Record A patient of record is an individual who has been examined and in whom a diagnosis has been made by a licensed dentist and for whom treatment has been planned by the dentist. Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 12 Expanded Functions and Supervision Types of Supervision: Direct Direct supervision means that the dentist has delegated a specific procedure to be performed in a patient of record by a legally qualified dental auxiliary. The dentist must examine the patient before delegating the procedure and again when the procedure is complete. The dentist must be physically present in the office while the procedures are being performed. Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 13 Expanded Functions and Supervision Types of Supervision: General General supervision (indirect supervision) means that the dentist has authorized and delegated specific procedures that may be performed by a legally qualified dental auxiliary in a patient of record. Exposing radiographs and recementing a temporary crown that has been dislodged are examples of functions that are often delegated under general supervision. The dentist need not be physically present in the office while such procedures are being performed. Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 14 Unlicensed Practice of Dentistry A dental assistant or dental hygienist may legally perform only those functions delegated under the dental practice act of the state in which he or she works. Performing procedures that are not legal is practicing dentistry without a license, a criminal act. Ignorance of the dental practice act is no excuse for illegally practicing dentistry. If the dentist asks you to perform an expanded function that is not legal in your state and you choose to do so, you are committing a criminal act. Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 15 Dentist-Patient Relationship Duty of care/Standard of care Licensure Use of reasonable skill, care, and judgment Use of standard drugs, materials, and techniques Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 16 Abandonment Discontinuation of care after treatment has begun, but before it has been completed. Even if a patient refuses to follow instructions and fails to keep appointments, the dentist may not legally refuse to give the patient another appointment. The dentist may not dismiss or refuse to treat a patient of record without giving the patient written notice of termination. 17 Patient Responsibilities The patient is legally required to pay a reasonable and agreed-upon fee for services. The patient is expected to cooperate and to follow instructions regarding treatment and home care. Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 18 Due Care The patient also has legal duties to the dentist. The patient is legally required to pay a reasonable and agreed-on fee for services. The patient is also expected to cooperate and follow instructions regarding treatment and home care. 19 Malpractice The “four D’s” must all be present for a malpractice lawsuit to be successful: Duty: A dentist/patient relationship must exist to establish the duty. Derelict: Negligence occurred because the standard of care was not met. Direct cause: The negligent act was the direct cause of the injury. Damages: May include pain and suffering, loss of income, and medical bills, among other things. 20 Acts of Omission and Commission In dentistry, the two types of malpractice are acts of omission and commission. Act of omission Example: A dentist fails to diagnose periodontal disease because he does not take x-rays or perform periodontal probing. Act of commission Example: A dentist administers 15 cartridges of local anesthetic to a very small child, resulting in serious overdose and the death of the child. 21 Doctrine of res ipsa loquitur Meaning the “thing speaks for itself.” For example, a dentist extracts the wrong tooth or breaks an instrument in the tooth and leaves it there. The proof—the instrument itself—is clear. Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 22 Risk Management The major areas of risk management (prevention of lawsuits) involve: Excellent communication with patients Maintaining accurate and complete records Receiving informed consent Doing everything possible to maintain the highest standards of clinical excellence Legal authorities have noted that the primary factor in avoiding legal problems with patients is maintaining a good rapport and open communication with all patients. Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 23 Avoiding Malpractice Lawsuits Prevention and good communication with the patient are the best defenses against malpractice claims. Patients are less likely to initiate a lawsuit when they have a clear understanding of: The planned treatment The results that can reasonably be expected The potential treatment complications The patient’s financial obligations Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 24 “Silence is Golden” The dental assistant or dental hygienist must never make critical remarks about dental treatment rendered by his or her employer or any other dentist. Statements made spontaneously by anyone (including the dental assistant) at the time of an alleged negligent act are admissible as evidence and may be damaging to the dentist and dental assistant in a court of law. Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 25 Guidelines for Informed Consent The concept of informed consent is based on the idea that it is the patient who must pay the bill and endure the pain and suffering that may result from treatment. Therefore, the patient has the right to know all important facts about the proposed treatment. 26 Informed Patient Consent Implied consent Implied consent is given when the patient agrees to treatment or at least does not object. Implied consent is a less reliable form of consent in a court of law, should there be a malpractice suit. Written consent This is the preferred means of obtaining and documenting the patient’s consent and understanding of the procedure. Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 27 Guidelines for Informed Consent To assist the patient in making an informed decision about whether to undergo the proposed treatment, the dentist should explain: The nature of the proposed treatment The benefits of the proposed treatment and the consequences of not undergoing the proposed treatment The most common and severe risks associated with the proposed treatment Reasonable alternatives to the proposed treatment, including the risks and benefits of each Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 28 Informed Refusal If a patient refuses the proposed treatment, the dentist must inform the patient about the likely consequences and obtain the patient’s informed refusal. Informed refusal does not release the dentist from the responsibility of providing the standard of care. A patient may not consent to substandard care, nor may the dentist ethically or legally agree to provide it. Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 29 Exceptions to Disclosure The dentist does not have the duty to disclose information about proposed treatment in the following situations: The patient asks not to be advised. The procedure is simple and straightforward, and life-threatening risks are remote. Treatment risk is minor, and treatment rarely results in serious adverse effects. Information would be so upsetting that the patient would be unable to weigh risks and benefits rationally; this is known as the therapeutic exception. 30 Informed Consent for Minors For minor children, the parent, custodial parent, or legal guardian must give consent. When parents live separately, the child’s personal-information form should indicate which of them is the custodial parent. When separated parents share custody, the child’s record should contain letters from each providing consent and authorization to treat. Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 31 Documenting Informed Consent At minimum, the patient’s record should indicate that the patient received information about risks, benefits, and treatment alternatives and consented to or refused the proposed treatment. When treatment is extensive, invasive, or risky, a written informed consent document is recommended. The patient, the dentist, and a witness should sign the written consent form. The patient should receive a copy of the form, and the original should be kept in the patient’s chart. 32 Documenting Informed Consent Recommended in the following types of situations: If a new drug is to be used If experimentation or clinical testing is involved If a patient’s identifiable photograph is used If a minor child is treated in a public program If the treatment takes more than 1 year to complete Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 33 Content of Informed Consent Forms Informed consent forms should contain the following information Nature of the proposed treatment Benefits and treatment alternatives Risks and potential consequences associated with not performing treatment Other information as necessary for a particular case 34 Patient Referral The dentist will commonly refer unusual cases, or those beyond his or her scope of training, to a specialist. The dentist must inform the patient being referred that the needed services cannot be properly performed in his or her office. Whenever possible, the dentist should help the patient find the appropriate specialist. Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 35 Failure to Refer Many malpractice claims involve failure of the general dentist to refer the patient to a specialist when the patient’s oral condition requires special attention. Failure to recognize periodontal disease and refer the patient to a periodontist is a very common cause for this type of malpractice suit. When a patient is referred to a specialist, the referral should be thoroughly documented in the patient’s chart. 36 Guarantees Outcomes of dental care cannot be completely predicted. Neither the dentist nor the staff should make a promise or claim about the outcome of care because this could be interpreted as a “guarantee.” 37 Contributory Negligence All broken or canceled appointments must be noted in the patient’s record. If the patient discontinues treatment, the records should indicate this decision and the reason given. This information can be useful in documenting contributory negligence. Such documentation helps protect the practice from legal action should a patient claim negligence against the dentist. Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 38 Patient Records Patient records are important legal documents that must be protected and handled with care. All examination records, diagnoses, radiographs, consent forms, updated medical histories, copies of medical and laboratory prescriptions, and correspondence to or about a patient are filed together in the patient’s record. Financial information is not included in the patient’s chart. Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 39 Ownership of Dental Records and Radiographs The dentist technically owns all patient records and radiographs. Patients have the right to access (review) and retrieve (remove) their records and radiographs. Original records and radiographs are never allowed to leave the practice without the dentist’s permission. In most situations, duplicate radiographs and a photocopy of the record will satisfy the patient’s needs. Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 40 Reporting Abuse and Neglect In many states, dental personnel are required by law to report known or suspected cases of child abuse. The primary intent of reporting is to protect the child. It is equally important to provide help for the parents. Dental personnel are in a good position to identify signs of abuse in their pediatric patients. Reported cases of child abuse and neglect are rising at an alarming rate all over the country. Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 41 Child Abuse Child abuse is legally defined as any act of omission or commission that endangers or impairs a child’s physical or emotional health and development. These acts include: Physical abuse and corporal punishment resulting in injury Emotional abuse Emotional deprivation Physical neglect or inadequate supervision Sexual abuse and exploitation Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 42 Domestic Violence The term used to describe battering, abuse, or control over an intimate individual within the same household. The abuse usually starts with controlling behavior on the part of the abusive spouse that becomes more frequent and more aggressive. The dental professional must be sensitive and supportive and must document evidence that may suggest abuse. 43 Elder Abuse Occurs when a relative or a healthcare provider abuses an elderly patient. As with child and spousal abuse, dental professionals should look for signs of physical abuse and for behavior that suggests abuse, such as being withdrawn. 44 Dental Neglect The willful failure of a person or a guardian to seek and obtain appropriate treatment for caries and oral infection. Dental neglect consists of Untreated rampant caries, easily detected by a layperson Chronic pain Delay or retardation in a child’s growth or development Child’s difficulty with or inability to perform daily activities such as playing or going to school 45 Immunity Many states legally require the reporting of suspected child abuse. Immunity from criminal or civil liability for reporting is granted as required. This means that you cannot be sued for reporting your suspicions to protect a child. Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1976 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 46 HIPAA The purpose of HIPAA is to Provide consumers with greater access to healthcare insurance Protect the privacy of protected health information Promote greater standardization and to enhance efficiency in the healthcare industry Dentists and all dental health professionals must follow the HIPAA regulations. 47
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