Four dentists were a part of cases dealing with HIPAA rules so far this year.
Details:
1. In June, the Iowa Dental Board restricted the license of Zavash Zarei-M, DDS, for competency issues. In addition to failing to meet the standard of care, Dr. Zarei-M allegedly responded to a review by addressing the patient by name and discussing treatment that was performed, and texted a patient in an unprofessional manner. Dr. Zarei-M denied the allegations but agreed to a settlement in order to avoid a hearing. As part of the settlement, Dr. Zarei-M was ordered to pay a penalty of $1,000 within 30 days. He was also required to complete a healthcare communication course and three hours of continuing education related to HIPAA and patient confidentiality.
2. In March, Donald Brockley, DMD, agreed to pay $30,000 and take corrective actions to comply with HIPAA's right-of-access standard after failing to provide a patient with a copy of their medical record.
3. In March, Northcutt Dental-Fairhope (Ala.) agreed to take corrective action and pay $62,500 to settle potential HIPAA Privacy Rule violations after disclosing patients' protected health information to a campaign manager and a third-party marketing company hired to assist with a state Senate election campaign.
4. North Carolina dental practice Dr. U. Phillip Igbinadolor, D.M.D. & Associates was ordered by HHS' Office for Civil Rights in March to pay a $50,000 civil money penalty after disclosing a patient's protected health information on a webpage in response to a negative online review.