Medical Malpractice Insurance News

Since dental practices reopened in June, a concern has arisen about liability claims related to COVID-19 exposure. While this concern is certainly legitimate, an overlooked, likely greater concern is the potential for claims related to delays in diagnosis and treatment that could stem from the closure of dental practices during the peak of the pandemic in New York State.

HHS confirms physicians can deliver telehealth services across state lines for covered services to fight the spread of COVID-19.

Physicians interested in offering the COVID-19 vaccine should follow the NYS Department of Health’s instructions for enrollment.

The NYS Department of Health directs physicians interested in administering the COVID-19 vaccine in their practice or clinic to enroll in the New York State Immunization Information System.

A recent settlement issued by the Office for Civil Rights highlights the importance of adhering to HIPAA’s Right of Access Initiative, a directive requiring covered entities to provide patients, upon request, with timely access to their protected health information.

Nearly all dental practices have resumed service, taking extra precautions due to the continued threat of COVID-19 and the emerging flu season. As patients returned, dentists saw the toll the pandemic was taking on teeth through an increase in stress-related oral health conditions.

New York State legislation now requires physicians’ offices to post signage directing patients to the Office of Professional Medical Conduct’s website for information on reporting misconduct.

An update to New York State Executive Order 202.61 says healthcare personnel who order and administer COVID-19 tests must now document and report if the patient attends, works or volunteers in a school.

With the issuance of a new Executive Order in New York, dentists can now administer COVID-19 point-of-care tests according to the state guidelines and requirements.

Obtaining informed consent creates a legal doctrine that protects you as the dentist while also protecting patients’ rights. Here, we answer questions our policyholders ask most frequently about the process.