Training is a critical component to a successful Compliance Program and insures that consistent high quality services are provided by a dental practice.
Training may be accomplished through on-site in-services, compliance meetings, outside training seminars, or external continuing education courses. Dental providers may chose to use a third party, like a consultant or attorney, for training who may provide services like webinars or other outside seminars.
Regardless of the training method used, a dentists should take care to guarantee that training is effectively communicated and that employees understand their role in health care compliance. In addition, all seminars and in-service training sessions should be designed to integrate core provider values, such as ethics, the organization’s “Mission Statement,” compliance protocols and goals, into their curriculum.
Training should cover legal compliance with regulations such those required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), safety, infection control, record keeping, coding, and billing.
Employees should be trained annually on at least billing, coding, and compliance guidance, but, there is no formula for determining how often to conduct training. Training frequency should be based on the dentist’s practical experience and overall employee compliance with policies and procedures. Should you find that violations are occurring – more frequent training should be conducted.
If you have questions about training or other compliance issues, contact Liles Parker today. Our attorneys have broad dental compliance experience and are able to assist with all your training and other compliance needs. Call us for a free initial consultation: 1 (800) 475-1906.