Policies For Your Practice: Ensuring Success and Safety

When it comes to running a successful practice, it is crucial to have well-defined policies in place. Policies not only provide guidance and structure for your team, but they also help establish a safe and professional environment for both employees and clients. In this article, we will discuss the importance of policies for your practice and cover key areas that should be addressed in your policy framework.

Why Policies Matter

Policies serve as a roadmap for your practice, providing clear guidelines on how things should be done. They help set expectations for both employees and clients, ensuring there is consistency and professionalism in all aspects of your practice. With well-defined policies, everyone knows what is expected of them, which helps minimize conflicts, misunderstandings, and potential legal issues.

Key Areas to Consider

Now, let's dive into some of the key areas that should be covered in your policies:

The ADA Practical Guide to Creating and Updating an Employee Policy Manual: Policies for Your Practice

by American Dental Association (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	17929 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	227 pages

FREE

1. Code of Conduct

A code of conduct outlines the expected behavior for all employees within your practice. This includes guidelines on professionalism, integrity, confidentiality, and ethical practices. By setting clear expectations, you can foster a positive work culture and maintain a high level of professionalism.

2. Health and Safety

Ensuring the health and safety of your employees and clients should be a top priority. Your policies should address procedures for handling emergencies, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene, and complying with relevant health and safety regulations. By prioritizing safety, you can create a secure environment and build trust with your clients.

3. Privacy and Confidentiality

In the healthcare industry, privacy and confidentiality are paramount. Your policies should address how personal information is collected, stored, and shared, in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. By establishing clear guidelines, you can protect your clients' sensitive information and maintain their trust in your practice.

4. Appointment Scheduling and Cancellations

Efficient appointment scheduling is crucial for a smooth-running practice. Your policies should outline procedures for scheduling appointments, handling cancellations, and managing waiting lists. Clear guidelines in this area will help minimize misunderstandings and ensure that your clients receive timely and quality care.

5. Financial Policies

Financial policies are essential for maintaining the financial health of your practice. These policies can cover areas such as payment methods, insurance claims, fee schedules, and collections. Having well-defined financial policies ensures transparency and helps avoid financial disputes or misunderstandings with your clients.

6. Staff Training and Development

To provide high-quality care, it is important to invest in the training and development of your staff. Your policies should outline the training programs available, performance evaluation processes, and opportunities for career advancement. By emphasizing staff development, you can foster a motivated and skilled team that promotes a positive client experience.

Policies play a crucial role in the success and safety of your practice. By establishing clear guidelines and expectations, you can create a professional and secure environment for both employees and clients. Remember to regularly review and update your policies to adapt to changes in the industry and new regulations. With well-defined policies in place, you can ensure the smooth operation of your practice and provide excellent care to your clients.

The ADA Practical Guide to Creating and Updating an Employee Policy Manual: Policies for Your Practice

by American Dental Association (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	17929 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	227 pages

FREE

Develop an up-to-date office policy manual with the help of the ADA. This guide includes sample policies, forms, and worksheets to help craft the perfect policy for nearly every situation. It contains:

•99 sample office policies on topics such as:

oCompensation and benefits, such as paid time off, insurance, and retirement plans
oInternet, social media, and electronic communications
oEmployee conduct, including personal appearance and dress code, attendance and
confidentiality

•Sample job descriptions, job ads, employment application, and interview questions
•Sample forms, worksheets and checklists including:

oHiring and termination checklists
oPerformance appraisals
oProgressive discipline documentation

•Explanations of:

oAt-will employment
oEmployees vs. independent contractors
oPart-time, full-time, and temporary employees

Also offers information on staff training, employee motivation and appreciation, and patient management.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Employee Recruitment
Job Descriptions
Employee Resources
Employment Advertisements
Employment Applications
Effective Interviewing Strategies
Additional Strategies in the Hiring Process
How to Make an Offer
Rejection of an Applicant
Hiring Checklist
Summary

Chapter 2: Office Policies

Employee Welcome
Manual and Description
Practice History and Description
Mission Statement
Diversity
Nondiscrimination/Equal Employment Opportunity
Employee with Disabilities
Office Schedule
Office Appearance
Employee Rest Area
Personal Belongings
Parking Regulations
Dentist Absence/Office Closure
Office Closure Due to Inclement Weather or Uninhabitable Facilities
Summary

Chapter 3: Employee Policies

Employee or Independent Contractor?
At-will Employment
Part-time, Full-time and Temporary Employees
Exempt and Non-exempt Employees
Probationary Period
Personnel Records
Employee Attendance
Time and Attendance Reports
Call-in and Tardiness
Lunch and Breaks
Food and Drink
Travel Expenses Reimbursement
Employee Conduct
Electronic Communications
Records Retention
Conflict of Interest
Office Dating
Harassment
Workplace Violence
Weapons
Employee Referral
Nursing Mothers
Summary

Chapter 4: Employee Training

Employee Orientation and New Hire Checklist
Training Programs
Summary

Chapter 5: Employee Benefits

Employee Compensation and Paycheck Deductions
Payday
Vacation, Holidays and Other Paid Time Off
Overtime (FLSA)
Flex-time
Medical Coverage
Dental Coverage
COBRA
Workers’ Compensation
Disability Coverage
Unemployment Compensation
Life Insurance
Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)
401(k) Plan
Retirement Plan
Professional Dues
Continuing Education
Tuition Assistance
Uniform Reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
Summary

Chapter 6: Employee Management
Employee Motivation
Employee Appreciation
Staff Evaluations
Progressive Discipline
Drug-free Workplace
Summary

Chapter 7: Terminating Employees
Reasons for Termination
References
Exit Interviews
Post-employment Competition
Termination Details
Post-termination Issues
Summary

Chapter 8: Patient Management
Patient Relations
Managing Various Patient Groups
Summary

Chapter 9: Safety and Security in the Workplace
General Workplace Safety
Complying with OSHA Standards
Fire Prevention Plan
Exit Routes
Natural Disasters
Building Security
Contingency Plan
Ergonomics
Radiography
Posted Notices
Summary

References
References
Policy Index