| Obtaining informed consent from a competent adult appears relatively easy. However, receiving informed consent from a minor or mentally impaired/ disabled individual can become a more difficult process.This type of patient population typically raises serious questions as to who can provide informed consent on the patient’s behalf. |
Informed consent grants patients the ability to make thoughtful and informed decisions regarding their dental treatment.This process includes providing information regarding the purpose, procedure, potential risks and benefits, as well as alternative options.
| Having an informed consent process in place ultimately enhances a patient’s understanding and guides their expectations while potentially decreasing the liability of the dentist. In order to ensure the validity of the patient’s consent, the dentist should: |
| • Have a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s medical history. • Have the same dentist administering informed consent and performing the procedure. • Inform the patient of his/ her qualifications, experience, and training to perform the procedure. • Disclose information regarding the nature and purpose of the procedure, probable risks and benefits, unusual and serious risks (such as death), and the consequences of refusing treatment. • Give the patient the opportunity to think about the information and ask questions. • Ensure that the patient is legally and mentally able to give informed consent. • Never coerce the patient to provide informed consent. • Provide the patient with a specialist’s information as a treatment option. • Never go beyond the scope of the outline procedure while the patient is under sedation. The dentist should only complete the agreed upon procedures. • Heavily document or refuse cases in which the patient chooses to waive his or her right to informed consent. |
| For every dental procedure, the dentist should: |
| 1. Have an informed consent form that all patients should sign before performing a procedure. 2. Keep a detailed record of the patient’s history. 3. Maintain a thorough record of the treatment plan and financial services in the patient’s file. 4. Take clear and detailed notes, and include the notes in the patient’s file. |
| The most common malpractice claims occur after: |
| When considering the purchase of a dental practice, the dentist must perform the required due diligence. The dentist, his/her accountant and lawyer should educate themselves doing due diligence before ever signing a letter of intent. The potential buyer should always ask for the following reports: |
| Buying a dental practice is one of the most significant purchases that a dentist will make in their career. A potential buyer of a dental practice must assemble a team of strong advisors to facilitate the transition. Below is a list of members that are crucial to a successful transition: |
| When preparing for a Department of Labor Wage & Hour Audit, business owners should: |
The U. S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division ensures that employers comply with the Fair Labor and Standards Act. The Fair Labor and Standards Act states that all non- exempt employees should receive at least minimum wage compensation for all hours worked and overtime pay at a time and a half their regular hourly rate for all hours worked in excess of 40 hours.
When the Department of Labor comes knocking on the door, a business only has a certain time frame within which to turn over the requested documentation. Be aware of the types of documentation that the Department of Labor may require so that your business does not scramble to find the requested information.
| Red Flags that Employee Embezzlement May Be Taking Place |
| The following list describes signs that employee embezzlement may be taking place: |
