Rhode Island Code of Regulations
Title 216 - Department of health
Chapter 40 - Professional licensing and facility regulation
Subchapter 05 - Professional Licensing
Part 2 - Dentists, Dental Hygienists, and Dental Assistants
Section 216-RICR-40-05-2.14 - Record Keeping and Disclosure
Universal Citation: 216 RI Code of Rules 40 05 2.14
Current through September 18, 2024
2.14.1. Availability of Dental Records
A. A licensed
dentist and/or other licensee shall maintain a dental record for each patient
which is adequate to enable the licensee and/or another licensee to provide
proper diagnosis and treatment. The dentist shall maintain a patient's written
dental record and radiographs (x-rays) for a minimum of five (5) years from the
date of the last dental visit, in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws §
23-3-26, entitled "Vital Records."
Records of minors shall be kept for at least five (5) years after such minor
will have reached the age of eighteen (18) years. Records shall be maintained
in a manner which permits the patient and/or successor dentist access to these
records.
B. At a minimum, said
records shall be legible and include:
1. The
name, address and date of birth of the patient and, if a minor, the name of the
parent or guardian and any disclosure statements, authorizations and/ or
consent forms;
2. The patient's
medical history;
3. A record of
results of a clinical examination, where appropriate, or an indication of the
patient's chief complaint;
4. A
treatment plan, where appropriate;
5. The dates of each patient visit and a
description of the treatment or services rendered at each visit;
6. A description of all radiographs taken and
of diagnostic models made;
7. The
date, dosage and amount of any medication or drug prescribed, dispensed or
administered to the patient and Prescription Drug Monitoring Program query
results, if appropriate; and,
8. A
record of any recommendations or referrals for treatment or consultation by a
specialist, including those which were refused by the patient.
C. Upon a patient's written
request, a dentist shall provide a patient or another specifically authorized
person with a complete copy of and a detailed summary of the patient's dental
record, which includes all relevant data.
D. A dentist may charge a reasonable fee for
the expense of providing a patient's dental record, not to exceed cost. The
dentist shall not require prior payment of charges for dental services as a
condition for providing a copy of the dental record.
E. Dentists shall maintain patient
confidentiality in the storage and transfer of records pursuant to the
provisions of R.I. Gen Laws § 5-37.3, "Confidentiality of Health Care
Information Act."
F. A dentist or
other licensee treating the patient shall sign or initial the patient's dental
record after each procedure or visit.
Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Rhode Island may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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