Legal issues involved in academic sterilization monitoring services.

Abstract

With the advent of regulatory requirements regarding infection-control procedures, the business of sterilization monitoring is becoming ever more popular across the country. Therefore, monitoring services, many of which are associated with an academic institution, are providing such services for dental practitioners. The relationship between the service and its clients, as well as the types of service the sterilization monitoring service provides, presents some interesting legal issues. The documentation of services provided, including record keeping, requires compliance with various state confidentiality and privacy laws. The service must also be concerned about potentially misrepresenting itself to its clients about the services it offers. Additionally, the service must avoid making warranties that its clients may detrimentally rely on to escape sanctions by applicable regulatory agencies. Finally, the service must concern itself with general business regulations, including those specific policies and rules that apply to the academic institution with which it is associated.