Dental Jurisprudence, Ethics, and HIPAA Review

Vocabulary and definitions covering dental ethics, jurisprudence, HIPAA regulations, and agency classifications.

Ethical Dilemma Sequence

The correct series of steps in approaching an ethical dilemma: Identify, determine, rank, develop, implement, and reflect.

ADAA Code of Conduct

Professional guidelines including: cause no harm, create/maintain a safe work environment, strive for self-improvement through continuing education, and never misrepresent professional credentials.

Dental Practice Act

A state-specific legal framework that outlines the allowable duties and expanded functions for the dental assistant.

Expanded Functions

Specific tasks outlined in the Dental Practice Act that require additional education and must be performed under the direct supervision of a dentist.

Jurisprudence

The establishment, regulation, and enforcement of laws.

Act of Omission

A civil wrongdoing resulting from failure to do something that should have been done, such as neglecting to update a medical history.

Act of Commission

A civil wrongdoing resulting from doing something that should not have been done, such as a dental assistant performing expanded functions without proper credentials.

Contract

A binding agreement between two or more people.

Fraud

Deliberate deception to secure unfair or unlawful gain, such as sending incorrect information to dental insurance companies for payment.

Tort

A wrongful act that results in injury to one person by another.

Regulatory Agencies

Organizations with the authority to enforce laws, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Nonregulatory Agencies

Organizations that provide recommendations but do not have enforcement power, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures (OSAP), and National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

HIPAA Violation Consequences

Legal punishments that may include monetary fines and jail time.

Title I of HIPAA

Section of the law addressing medical/dental insurance exchange and transfers, ensuring only necessary information for treatment and financial transactions is exchanged.

Informed Consent

A process providing truthful information to the patient about risks and benefits of a procedure, as well as the risks to the patient if they deny treatment.

Statute of Limitation

The defined period of limitation for bringing forth certain types of legal action, such as a lawsuit.

Protected Health Information (PHI) Technology Standards

Policies requiring protected online electronic transmission, allowing paper format, and prohibiting the use of nonencrypted personal cell phones for PHI transmission.