Margaret Surowka Rossi, Esq.
Albany, NY
Counsel, Hiscock & Barclay

Credit: 3CEUs Tuition: Free
Location: Special Events Hall

Admission by badge and ticket only

Recommended for: Dentists

The Legal and Ethical Responsibilities of Practicing Dentistry in New York State

This course is required for relicensure and has been approved by the New York State Education Department.

This lecture will utilize real life examples, OPD discipline cases and opinions rendered by the New York State Dental Association’s Ethics Council throughout the program as “real-life” application and relevance to the everyday practice of dentistry.

I. The Laws of New York Applicable to Dentistry

A. The Dental Practice Act

• scope of practice for dentists
• scope of practice for hygienists
• scope of practice of certified and non-certified dental assistants
• supervision of all auxiliaries
• Dental Anesthesia Certificate
• special provisions of §6611
• nitrous oxide equipment

B. Miscellaneous Laws and Regulations

• access to patient records, HIV and confidentiality
• federal Controlled Substances Law
• X-ray requirements
• child abuse, communicable diseases, patient deaths
• amalgam and other recycling
• employee notices

II. The Ethics of Practicing Dentistry in New York: Professional Responsibility

A. Definition of Professional Misconduct

B. Overview and discussion:

• fee-splitting disputes, and fee referral and “corporate practice”
• advertising
• practicing while impaired (PAP)
• patient confidentiality and recordkeeping (NYS Privacy and HIPAA)
• consultation with other professionals
• false claims (Medicaid and insurance)
• patient abandonment
• practice sale and closure
• office hygiene – infection control

Results
Attendees will learn how their offices need to be in compliance with state law, and the rules of professional/ethical responsibility.

Margaret Surowka Rossi, Esq.
Counsel in the health care and human services group at the law firm of Hiscock & Barclay, LLP, in Albany, New York. Former General Counsel of the New York State Dental Association, where she worked with the State Board for Dentistry and the Office of Professional Discipline and the Council on Ethics. Ms. Rossi has conducted numerous seminars in legal, regulatory and ethical issues relating to the practice of dentistry in New York State.