Medical Malpractice Insurance News

Two years into the pandemic, we have the benefit of research and experience to help dentists make informed decisions for their practices. Unfortunately, the end is still not in sight. New York State and the entire country are facing a surge of coronavirus cases due to the incredibly infectious Omicron variant. To help you handle the current situation, read our risk management best practices for dental offices during COVID-19.

MLMIC encourages policyholders to review these important Risk Management Checklists on patient safety, including guidance on managing equipment for patient care and safely caring for patients of size in the office practice.

MLMIC encourages policyholders to review these important Risk Management Checklists on opioid management, including guidance on managing patients with chronic pain and managing drug-seeking patients.

MLMIC encourages policyholders to review these important Risk Management Checklists on office policies, including guidance on maintaining patient confidentiality, tracking test results, following up on missed or cancelled appointments and handling patient complaints.

MLMIC encourages policyholders to review these important Risk Management Checklists on medication management, specifically, handling prescription medication to maximize patient safety. Be sure to view or download the checklist for use in your dental practice.

MLMIC encourages policyholders to review these important Risk Management Checklists on dentist-patient relationships, including guidance on properly discontinuing the dentist-patient relationship, treating patients with whom you have a close relationship, managing patient noncompliance and managing negative online reviews.

What are providers’ options when patients refuse to get the COVID-19 vaccine? The law firm of Fager Amsler Keller & Schoppmann, LLC, informs providers about what they can, should and should not do in the face of such a situation.

MLMIC encourages policyholders to review these important Risk Management Checklists for Dentists on patient communication, including guidance on after-hours calls, communication between consulting and referring dentists, sharing test results and communicating with low health literacy patients.

MLMIC encourages policyholders to review attorneys’ answers to frequently asked questions on medical professional liability related to diagnostic test follow-up.

The proliferation of telehealth highlights the need to implement effective strategies for patient engagement. Review this Risk Management Tip from MLMIC to reinforce related policies and protocols within your practice or facility.