Patient Rights under HIPAA

1. To receive a notice of privacy practices
2. To access medical and dental records
3. To request amendment to medical and dental records
4. To request an accounting of disclosures
5. To file a complaint, internally or with the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services

What dental hygienist can do to protect patient information:

1. Avoid speaking about patients with friends and family members.
2. Don’t use cellular phones for conversations or communications about patients.
3. Be aware of who is listening when discussing patient information. Move to a private area or finish the conversation later.
4. Don’t throw patient information in the garbage; always shred or rip papers with patient information.
5. Keep up with patient information when removed from the office. This includes patient records, patient schedules or appointment logs and information in PDAs or laptop computers.