Is Your Roof Leaking?
From a risk management perspective, with respect to your dental practice and it's systems and people, it may be time to evaluate whether or not your "roof is leaking." Is your dental practice exposed to the potential for a patient complaint to the regulatory board, or to a lawsuit? Is the leak in plain site, or is there an imperceptible but currently small issue that may grow into a much larger problem?
Over the past 30 years, I have represented more doctors than I can count who found themselves answering a patient complaint and resulting Board investigation that stemmed a patient situation arising from the patient's interaction with the office staff while the doctor was either out of the office, or in another operatory or part of the office. Communications with patients by a staff member who is inexperienced and not knowledgeable of the State Board Rules can quickly lead to an unfortunate chain of events that can land the licensed dentist in Austin before a Board panel in an Informal Settlement Conference - all over a conversation that the doctor was never a part of.
What are other examples of risk management "roof leaks," how do you repair them, and how do you minimize the risk for them?
Fix the leaks. Get yourself and your office team calibrated to the rules and regulations that govern your dental license. For assistance with this process from Boyd W. Shepherd, D.D.S., J.D., this is the place to start.
Additionally, Boyd W. Shepherd, D.D.S., J.D., is available to provide thoroughly detailed and instructive legal reviews, reports, and recommendations pertaining to your office's status and areas of need or concern for conformity to the Texas "Dental Practice Act" (Chapters 251 through 267 of the Texas Occupations Code) and the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners Rules & Regulations, including all Board rules and regulations related to record-keeping, standard of care, emergencies, radiology, and infection control. Please use this link for more information and scheduling.
