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Two small health care providers in Virginia and Colorado have agreed to pay $10,000 and $3,500, respectively, to settle potential violations of the HIPAA Privacy Rule’s “right of access” provision.

New legislation now requires all California employers to provide emergency paid sick leave to qualified employees under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Plus, the U.S. Department of Labor has revised the FFCRA paid sick leave regulations. 

The California Dental Association in August received recognition from the American Dental Association in three membership categories, including “most improved active member retention rate” among state associations with more than 7,500 active licensed dentists.

The Dental Board of California is exploring alternative ways for registered dental assistants in extended functions program to obtain licensure due to delayed examinations at multiple locations for reasons related to COVID-19.

Two bills that will assist dental practice owners impacted by the pandemic became law last week with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature. One new law will protect PPP loan recipients from having to pay potentially thousands in unexpected state income tax on their forgiven PPP loans. 

CDA Practice Support continues to publish frequently asked questions to help dentist-employers understand their obligations and options in the COVID environment. The newest FAQ answers questions about COVID-19 testing, exposure and reporting and employee paid leave. 

The California Department of Consumer Affairs on Sept. 8 issued a waiver easing the restrictions on internet-based continuing education training during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under certain cirumstances, dental professionals can now use recorded webinars as live C.E.

Radiation machine inspections are following their typical schedules during the pandemic, and dental practice owners are reminded to ensure they are properly documenting occupational exposure to radiation and maintaining those records. 
 

California law requires that prescribers of controlled substances begin using new prescription forms beginning Jan. 1, 2021, to help reduce prescription fraud. The compliant forms contain unique serial numbers and barcodes that are linked to corresponding records in CURES.