Dental Law Blog | The Health Law Firm Blog

30 Major Mistakes Dentists Make After Being Notified of a Department of Health Investigation- Part 1

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

The investigation of a Department of Health (DOH) complaint which could lead to the revocation of the dentist’s license, usually starts with a simple letter from the DOH. This letter should not be ignored. This is a very serious legal matter and it should be treated as such by the dentist who receives it. Yet, in many cases, we are consulted by dentists after the entire investigation is over. The case has been presented to the Probable Cause Panel and formal charges have been filed against them. They have attempted to represent themselves throughout the […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:01:45-04:00May 15, 2018|Dental Law Blog|

30 Major Mistakes Dentists Make After Being Notified of a Department of Health Investigation- Part 2

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

This two part blog series discusses the seriousness of receiving a letter of investigation from the Department of Health (DOH) and the importance of consulting an experienced health law attorney. In many cases, we are consulted by dentists after the entire investigation is over. Often, the mistakes that have been made severely compromise our ability to achieve a favorable result for the dentist.

This is part two in a two part blog series. To read part one of this series, click here.

These […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:01:46-04:00May 15, 2018|Dental Law Blog|

Little Known Facts About State and DOH Investigations That Could Save Your Professional License

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

The notice that you are under investigation may seem nonthreatening. It may come in the mail, be delivered personally by an investigator or you may receive a telephone call from the investigator. This is a very serious matter for you.

Our attorneys include those who are board certified in health law by The Florida Bar, those who are nurses, and those who are themselves licensed health professionals. Our attorneys represent health care professionals and providers at formal administrative hearings at the Division of […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:01:46-04:00May 15, 2018|Dental Law Blog|

20 Tips to Help You Survive Facing Peer Review for Your Hospital Clinical Privileges-Part 1 of 2

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

If you are a physician, nurse practitioner, psychologist, clinical pharmacist, oral surgeon, ophthalmologist, or other licensed health professional with clinical privileges in a hospital, chances are that one day you will be subject to a peer review action or investigation. It may be a simple one-time matter based on a patient complaint or adverse outcome, or it may be a lengthy process involving a large number or your cases and records.

A peer review action action may be initiated because of a patient complaint. It may be commenced because of complaints filed by hospital staff. It […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:01:46-04:00May 15, 2018|Dental Law Blog|

Little Known Facts About State and DOH Investigations That Could Save Your Professional License

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

The notice that you are under investigation may seem nonthreatening. It may come in the mail, be delivered personally by an investigator or you may receive a telephone call from the investigator. This is a very serious matter for you.

Our attorneys include those who are board certified in health law by The Florida Bar, those who are nurses, and those who are themselves licensed health professionals. Our attorneys represent health care professionals and providers at formal administrative hearings at the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH), in defense of administrative complaints and in […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:01:46-04:00May 15, 2018|Dental Law Blog|

Doctors, Nurses and Health Care Professionals Take Heed: It is Always a Bad Idea to . . . .

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

In my 30 plus years of practice representing physicians, dentists, nurses and health care professionals, I have defended clients involved in many different situations. Several of these seem to be problem areas which we see repeatedly. The following is a list of those problems which it would seem to be common sense for a physician or other health care professional to avoid doing.

I can assure you, it is always a bad idea for a physician or other health care professional to:

1. Write a prescription for any medication for yourself.

2. Start a romantic relationship with a […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:01:46-04:00May 15, 2018|Dental Law Blog|

Florida Board of Dentistry Makes Changes to Anesthesia Rules

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

On November 13, 2017, The Florida Board of Dentistry updated rules and terminology for the use of anesthesia. The Board changed terminology from “conscious sedation” or “pediatric conscious sedation” to “moderate sedation” or “pediatric moderate sedation.”

The updates were done to ensure that the terminology adequately describes the type of anesthesia that is being performed.

Existing Permit Holders.

If you are a dentist that currently holds a “conscious sedation” or “pediatric conscious sedation” permit, you will receive a new permit with the updated terminology. The Board made no substantive changes to the definition or level of permit.

For more information […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:01:46-04:00May 15, 2018|Dental Law Blog|