{"id":21488,"date":"2025-06-02T12:04:15","date_gmt":"2025-06-02T16:04:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/?page_id=21488"},"modified":"2025-07-01T09:38:55","modified_gmt":"2025-07-01T13:38:55","slug":"journal-feature-story-three","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/mda-journal\/current-journal-issue\/journal-feature-story-three\/","title":{"rendered":"Journal Feature Story Three"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1698696973333{margin-top: -40px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;background-color: #009ba7 !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;white-text&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h1>Journal Feature Story Three<\/h1>\n<p><nav  aria-label=\"breadcrumb\"><ol class=\"breadcrumb\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BreadcrumbList\"><li class=\"breadcrumb-item active\" aria-current=\"page\" itemprop=\"itemListElement\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ListItem\"><span itemprop=\"name\">Home<\/span><meta itemprop=\"position\" content=\"1\"><\/li><\/ol><\/nav>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Outgoing President Dr. Todd Christy: \u2018I\u2019ve Been Humbled and Honored to Serve\u2019<\/h2>\n<p><em>Editor\u2019s note: The following is a transcription of outgoing MDA President Christy\u2019s remarks to the MDA House of Delegates on Thursday, April 24 during the MDA Annual Session.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Good morning delegates, alternate delegates, former presidents, all other members of the House of Delegates, distinguished guests, and our amazing Michigan Dental Association team members!<\/p>\n<p>For those of you who are new to the House of Delegates, my name is Todd and I am your friend. I\u2019ve been humbled and honored to serve as the 161st president of our Michigan Dental Association. I would never have dreamt this would happen back 29 years ago when I graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry when it was just down Jefferson Avenue from here.[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/6&#8243;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;4\/6&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;22143&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; add_caption=&#8221;yes&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1748463075952{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}&#8221;]<strong>MDA leaders \u2014<\/strong> Outgoing President Christy (right) and President-elect Newman applaud during the first House session.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/6&#8243;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_separator border_width=&#8221;2&#8243; el_width=&#8221;70&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1748526806957{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1748463156913{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}&#8221;]In speaking with former presidents, some have said how long their year felt, while some have said it flew by quickly. Well, I can tell you that the last 369 days went by in the snap of my fingers. Yes, there were days where I questioned what was coming at us or what the next challenge could be. But one thing I never asked myself was why did I do this. Thank you for allowing me to live out my core value of servant leadership by serving you and our association!<\/p>\n<p>I want to get my biggest \u201cthank you\u201d out first \u2014 to my wife, Beth \u2014 my listening ear, my biggest supporter, and my co-pilot and driver as we\u2019ve traveled across this amazing state putting an unknown number of miles down. Beth will gladly tell you she\u2019s thrilled this role is a one-year commitment. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Beth, for supporting me and following my passion for the Michigan Dental Association.<\/p>\n<p>My next thanks is to the incredible team at our Michigan Dental Association. This group of talented people has stepped up time and time again for our members to provide exemplary service and forward-thinking problem-solving, always with the goal of helping member dentists succeed. Personally to each and every one, thank you for helping me fulfill my role to our members.<\/p>\n<p>Next, a heartfelt thank you goes to our executive director for guiding the MDA ship, and me as well. John Tramontana, even as this was your first full year, you led our team through challenges as the professional our Board believed you would be when we brought you onto our team last year.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1748463282888{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221;]Lastly, thank you to this group on the dais and in the two rows in front of me &#8212; our MDA Board of Trustees. You excelled this year in your roles, having spirited debate, being focused on what was best for our association and its members, and respecting others who had differing opinions. For me, I appreciate you all, my friends, in supporting me personally as I dealt with the loss of both my parents in the span of eight weeks this fall. Any future president would be lucky to have you with them.<\/p>\n<p>This past year can be summed up in one word: Change.<\/p>\n<p>Let me take a look at the Board\u2019s work over the past year. We began in May with a Board orientation connecting with our new executive director and newly seated Board. In June, we had the summer Board meeting. Our Saturday morning was spent delving into the big topic of change \u2014 Deb Peters and I led the presentation, reviewing what change is, how people can work for it or work against it, looking at the two main ways to best work through change, and lastly, a group project with groups of six from the three MDA Boards and Dental PAC looking at ways they could use what they had just learned. The exercise focused on Annual Session, and we presented these insights to the Annual Session Committee to use in their planning for the coming year.<\/p>\n<p>At the June meeting we also approved an MDA Member Conduct Policy, Component Peer Review Committee expectations, and established the number of MDA alternate delegate positions for the 2025 ADA House of Delegates.<\/p>\n<p>Then, in September, we held strategic discussion on changes to the House of Delegates schedule designed to increase value and allow delegates to attend more CE courses and visit the exhibitors. We joined with the Michigan Chamber of Commerce in a coalition opposing the Earned Sick Time Act \u2014 or for what is the newest \u201cfour-letter word\u201d: ESTA. We held a generative discussion on artificial intelligence and its impact on dental practices. We established a Group Practice Pilot Program to launch for the 2025 dues year, and approved a change to the MDA\u2019s public-directed activities, sunsetting the MDA\u2019s paid media Public Education Campaign and redirecting a portion of the already budgeted monies toward membership outreach and programs to demonstrate member value.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;22147&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; onclick=&#8221;custom_link&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1748463114747{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221; link=&#8221;https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Nemeth-and-Katranji.png&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<strong>House speaker \u2013<\/strong> Dr. Deb Peters again served as House speaker, guiding the proceedings with her usual steady hand.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1748463304778{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}&#8221;]Lastly, the Board took action on the Committee on Government and Insurance Affairs\u2019 evaluation to continue to support the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, or DDHC. The CGIA in its summer meeting heard presentations with representatives from both the DDHC and the AADB dental compacts. The committee \u2014 made up of MDA-member dentists \u2014 voted unanimously to continue to support the DDHC. The MDA Board then reviewed the detailed report for our September meeting, discussed the recommendation from the committee, and agreed with the committee recommendation that the DDHC was the most compelling and to continue MDA support of the DDHC. Remember, however, that the MDA supporting this compact does not mean we are actively placing the creation of dental compacts in Michigan on our legislative priority agenda.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1748525556057{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}&#8221;]At December\u2019s meeting, the Board moved to adopt and use the planning concept of strategic forecasting going forward, following completion of the MDA\u2019s Strategic Plan that expires at the end of 2025. The association as a whole and the Board in particular need to be more flexible and adaptive to the environmental changes we live in. This goes across everything the Board does. Just like in our dental practices, if we see a problem, we cannot wait for six months or a year to correct a problem. Action needs to be taken in a timely way, given the challenging environment around us.<\/p>\n<p>We held a generative discussion enhancing two-way communication with our components. I brought this discussion and sought more input additionally at the following component relations meeting. We revised the MDA Member Conduct Policy to align with the changes made at the ADA House of Delegates in October. These revisions were based on recommendations by a workgroup of House and Board members and were approved for transmission to the 2025 House. In December we also heard and discussed updates and the impact from the Group Practice Pilot Program, our membership marketing campaign, and the latest Member Satisfaction Survey.<\/p>\n<p>We also enjoyed presentations from the deans of both dental schools and from the MDA Foundation, and reviewed and approved the legislative priorities for 2025. We approved policy that supports CDAs performing certain duties under the supervision of a dentist. Lastly, we selected the 2025 MDA award winners you just saw here on the dais, approved the new LEAD program participants, and approved the 2025 Dental PAC Board.<\/p>\n<p>In February of this year, we held a generative discussion on volunteer engagement. We merged the Committees on Annual Session and Continuing Education to help streamline the structure and provide more micro-volunteer roles for member dentists. We directed that a task force be formed to evaluate the sustainability and profitability of the Annual Session. To prepare for this year\u2019s House, we debated and approved multiple resolutions for transmission to the HOD, and we reviewed and approved forwarding seven bylaws amendments to the House.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;22145&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<strong>Delivers remarks \u2013<\/strong> Christy began his speech by noting that he was \u201chumbled and honored\u201d to serve as the MDA\u2019s 161st president.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1748525605976{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}&#8221;]Staff provided us with an update on MDA membership, with a frank discussion of all the challenges from the ADA and the challenges related to the ADA database transition to Salesforce\/Fonteva. We also approved a slate of directors for MDA Insurance &amp; Financial Group, nominations to the ADA Council on Access and Prevention, and candidates seeking MDA endorsement for the Michigan Board of Dentistry.<\/p>\n<p>Okay, now let me get to what I want you to know for today, for Saturday, and for the coming year. First, you heard earlier from me that our December Board\u2019s generative discussion was on two-way communication with components. There\u2019s an old adage that says \u201ccommunication is the key.\u201d Let me describe what happens in the weeks leading to our Board meetings \u2014 each Board member is assigned one or two components for the full year to check in with and learn if there are any component successes to share, and more importantly, to bring any concerns to the Board and the MDA team for assistance. The component leaders we connect with are the president, vice president and executive director or secretary if there is one. That\u2019s four opportunities that our Board tales to reach out to local leadership. Unfortunately, it\u2019s less than 50% of the time that we get any feedback. I addressed this topic at the February component relations meeting. It looked like I was preaching to the choir, as most of those there were the same folks who always respond. Here\u2019s where I need your help: If you are a local leader getting these calls in the coming year, please respond! Help us help you in your work and support the thoughts and challenges you have, so that we can do things throughout the year and not just here at the meeting. Why wait? Let\u2019s work to get it done together.<\/p>\n<p>Second, later this morning you will have Resolution 15 on Component Volunteer Leadership. This came from the February Board and March Executive Committee meetings. Throughout my 28 years as a volunteer in dentistry, the recruitment and retention of volunteers at the local component has been a challenge. Local leaders need direction and resources to help them. The rapid turnover and most times lack of a framework through either a Board operating manual or bylaws make it challenging to do work as a local leader, and then find another person to bring along to take over in the future. My resolution is meant to be a starting point, where future Houses can bring a lot more to work on. The MDA House of Delegates represents its local members. Provide your feedback and requests through the Reference Committee today \u2014 the goal of the resolution is to strengthen our local components leadership and future.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;22149&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; onclick=&#8221;custom_link&#8221; img_link_target=&#8221;_blank&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221; title=&#8221;\u2014 advertisement \u2014&#8221; link=&#8221;http:\/\/www.goldmanpracticesales.com\/&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1748526158615{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}&#8221;]Third, the Nominating Committee \u2014 the NomCom. I\u2019m tasked with chairing the MDA Nominating Committee this coming year. Do you know what the role of the NomCom is? It\u2019s to carefully review the credentials of each potential candidate, seek out the most-qualified candidates for each position, and ensure to the greatest possibility that the slate proffered by the NomCom appropriately reflects the diversity of the association\u2019s membership<\/p>\n<p>The NomCom is tasked to vet the candidates and present to the House at least one candidate for each elected position. The members do recruit as well, but I will tell you that recruitment needs to be coming from you, the leaders in the House of Delegates and in your component\u2019s leadership. All y\u2019all need to be thinking of yourself or other leaders to get involved.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;22144&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1748526266405{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}&#8221;]<strong>Nomination from floor \u2013<\/strong> Dr. Rachel Sinacola, of West Michigan, approached the microphone to nominate Dr. Leigh Ann Wahl as a candidate for the ADA Delegation. Wahl was subsequently among those elected.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;22146&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1748526275954{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}&#8221;]<strong>Meritorious award \u2013<\/strong> Christy presented Dr. John DeCarolis with the John G. Nolen Meritorious Award, the MDA\u2019s highest honor. See your May <em>Journal<\/em> for a complete listing of 2025 MDA award-winners.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_separator border_width=&#8221;2&#8243; el_width=&#8221;70&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1748526822214{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1748527113883{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}&#8221;]I\u2019ve heard previous House members say they wanted multiple people for every elected position and that the NomCom didn\u2019t do its job if that didn\u2019t happen. Folks, before you ever say or think a thought like this \u2014 what excuse do <em>you<\/em> have for not stepping forward?<\/p>\n<p>Here is my long-time recommendation. If you have been in this House of Delegates for five years, you should be looking at the ADA delegation.<br \/>\nIf you have been in this House of Delegates for 10 years, you should be looking at the Board of Trustees. If you have been in this House of Delegates longer than 15 years and done neither the ADA delegation or Board, you should be mentoring and supporting others to lead and not blocking someone from leading here in the House.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1748526423248{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}&#8221;]Last year I spoke about connection and communication when I addressed the House of Delegates. I spoke from a personal level about mental health and well-being being tied to connection with others. I talked about connection between members and their components, and the component leadership connecting with the MDA team in Okemos as well as with the Board of Trustees. Folks, we at the local level need to better connect with each other. We need to strengthen our community, and it starts with you in your home towns. So get to know someone new this next month. Having community with other dentists helps everyone\u2019s mental and physical health. Having community will help you meet dentists and make new connections. Having community will help dentists to get involved in your component. Having community will help with recruiting leaders to the MDA House of Delegates, committees, and ADA Councils.<\/p>\n<p>Last night the keynote speaker for the MDA Foundation said that \u201cWe change stories through the work we do.\u201d There are so many amazing stories our members have, too. Being asked by former MDA president John Buchheister to get involved on the MDA Membership Committee just two months after getting my license and owning my practice \u2014 that changed my story. Go do that for someone this year!<\/p>\n<p>This next year our MDA story will change, too. We will have the next Board, and my friend Cheri Newman will lead as your president. I know you will all be there to lend your support no matter what happens next.<\/p>\n<p>Thank you again, and I wish you all a great Annual Session and House of Delegates.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;22148&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<strong>Transition \u2014<\/strong> Incoming MDA President Dr. Cheri Newman and Christy pose for a symbolic gavel-passing at the close of the first House session. The actual event took place at Saturday\u2019s Board meeting following the second House session.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1750449454035{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>What to Know about Release of Information, Authorization, and Records Requests<\/h2>\n<p>By Jennifer Cosey<br \/>\nEagle Associates<\/p>\n<p>Questions often arise regarding the difference between a release of information or \u201cROI\u201d form, an authorization, and a records request. HIPAA regulations do not use the term \u201cRelease of Information (ROI).\u201d Many ROI forms are utilized as a multi-purpose document but often fail to meet regulatory requirements.<\/p>\n<p>An authorization is used to disclose protected health information to a third party, often on an ongoing basis. Authorizations must contain specific elements\/statements.[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1751377079947{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221;]A simple records request is referred to as a Right of Access request within HIPAA regulations and is used when your own patient is coming to you directly and asking for a one-time copy of their record (or a portion of it). The patient\/individual may ask you to send the record directly to himself or herself or indicate that you should send it to a third party. The Department of Health and Human Services has indicated that you should not impose an authorization form on a patient who is coming to you directly and just wants a one-time copy under their right of access.<\/p>\n<p>Authorizations are required for disclosures made for purposes other than treatment, payment, or health care operations, for a purpose not listed on your Notice of Privacy Practices. The following guidance from HHS will help to clarify when disclosures can be made without an authorization:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201c\u2018Treatment\u2019 generally means the provision, coordination, or management of health care and related services among health care providers or by a health care provider with a third party, consultation between health care providers regarding a patient, or the referral of a patient from one health care provider to another.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>\u201c\u2018Payment\u2019 encompasses the various activities of health care providers to obtain payment or be reimbursed for their services, and of a health plan to obtain premiums, to fulfill their coverage responsibilities, and provide benefits under the plan, and to obtain or provide reimbursement for the provision of health care.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn addition to the general definition, the Privacy Rule provides examples of common payment activities which include, but are not limited to:<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDetermining eligibility or coverage under a plan and adjudicating claims.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;22081&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; onclick=&#8221;custom_link&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1750448633795{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221; link=&#8221;http:\/\/www.dentalroiassociates.com\/&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1751377093695{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cRisk adjustments.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBilling and collection activities.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cReviewing health care services for medical necessity, coverage, justification of charges, and the like.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cUtilization review activities.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cDisclosures to consumer reporting agencies (limited to specified identifying information about the individual, his or her payment history, and identifying information about the covered entity).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>\u201c\u2018Health care operations\u2019 are certain administrative, financial, legal, and quality improvement activities of a covered entity that are necessary to run its business and to support the core functions of treatment and payment. These activities, which are limited to the activities listed in the definition of \u2018health care operations\u2019 at 45 CFR 164.501, include:<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cConducting quality assessment and improvement activities, population-based activities relating to improving health or reducing health care costs, and case management and care coordination.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cReviewing the competence or qualifications of health care professionals, evaluating provider and health plan performance, training health care and non-health care professionals, accreditation, certification, licensing, or credentialing activities.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cUnderwriting and other activities relating to the creation, renewal, or replacement of a contract of health insurance or health benefits, and ceding, securing, or placing a contract for reinsurance of risk relating to health care claims.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cConducting or arranging for medical review, legal, and auditing services, including fraud and abuse detection and compliance programs.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cBusiness planning and development, such as conducting cost-management and planning analyses related to managing and operating the entity.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cBusiness management and general administrative activities, including those related to implementing and complying with the Privacy Rule and other Administrative Simplification Rules, customer service, resolution of internal grievances, sale or transfer of assets, creating de-identified health information or a limited data set, and fundraising for the benefit of the covered entity. General Provisions at 45 CFR 164.506.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cA covered entity may, without the individual\u2019s authorization:<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cUse or disclose protected health information for its own treatment, payment, and health care operations activities. For example: A health care provider may disclose protected health information about an individual as part of a claim for payment to a health plan.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cA covered entity may disclose protected health information for the treatment activities of any health care provider (including providers not covered by the Privacy Rule). For example: A primary care provider may send a copy of an individual\u2019s medical record to a specialist who needs the information to treat the individual.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cA covered entity may disclose protected health information to another covered entity or a health care provider (including providers not covered by the Privacy Rule) for the payment activities of the entity that receives the information. For example: A physician may send an individual\u2019s health plan coverage information to a laboratory who needs the information to bill for services it provided to the physician with respect to the individual.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cA covered entity may disclose protected health information to another covered entity for certain health care operation activities of the entity that receives the information if:<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<ul>\n<li>\u201cEach entity either has or had a relationship with the individual who is the subject of the information, and the protected health information pertains to the relationship; and<\/li>\n<li>\u201cThe disclosure is for a quality-related health care operations activity (i.e., the activities listed in paragraphs (1) and (2) of the definition of \u201chealth care operations\u201d at 45 CFR 164.501) or for the purpose of health care fraud and abuse detection or compliance. For example: A health care provider may disclose protected health information to a health plan for the plan\u2019s Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set (HEDIS) purposes, provided that the health plan has or had a relationship with the individual who is the subject of the information.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Some common examples<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Situations that require an authorization:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A patient wants a friend or family member to be able to contact your practice and obtain information about them on an ongoing basis. The patient identifies the level of access that the person they\u2019ve named will have. Some might allow only access to billing information, appointment schedules, or some may want to grant the person access to all of their clinical information.<\/li>\n<li>A third party such as an attorney\u2019s office, employer, or life insurance company contacts you for information on a patient. An authorization is required unless there is a court-ordered subpoena or warrant and you\u2019ve reviewed a copy of that subpoena to ensure the disclosure is permissible, or you\u2019ve received documentation from an attorney that they notified the patient of the request for PHI, they\u2019ve given the patient an opportunity to object to the disclosure, that period has now passed, and no objection was raised.<\/li>\n<li>You want to disclose PHI to a third party for marketing purposes. Written authorization from the patient is required.<\/li>\n<li>You want to disclose PHI for research purposes. Patient authorization is required unless you\u2019ve received an Institutional Review Board waiver.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Required elements<\/strong><br \/>\nFor situations when you\u2019ve determined that an authorization is required, there are specific elements that must be present on a HIPAA-compliant authorization form. You may receive an authorization from a third party who is requesting information on a patient of yours. You should check such authorizations to ensure they contain the required elements prior to making the disclosure. In addition, you can check your own authorization form against the list of required elements below:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A description of the information to be used or disclosed.<\/li>\n<li>The individual or entity to whom the information may be disclosed.<\/li>\n<li>Who is to make the disclosure (your organization).<\/li>\n<li>An expiration date or expiration event.<\/li>\n<li>A statement of the patient\u2019s right to revoke the authorization.<\/li>\n<li>A non-conditioning statement (e.g., signing the form is not a condition for receiving treatment).<\/li>\n<li>A redisclosure statement (e.g., once disclosed, the covered entity does not have control over the recipient disclosing the PHI to others).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>About the Author<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>Jennifer Cosey is president of Eagle Associates, which is endorsed by the MDA to provide HIPAA, OSHA, and Office of the Inspector General compliance assistance to member dental offices. Cosey has also been featured as a speaker at various MDA continuing education events. Contact her at <a href=\"mailto:jennifer@eagleassociates.net\">jennifer@eagleassociates.net<\/a>.<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner disable_element=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1748525556057{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}&#8221;]At December\u2019s meeting, the Board moved to adopt and use the planning concept of strategic forecasting going forward, following completion of the MDA\u2019s Strategic Plan that expires at the end of 2025. The association as a whole and the Board in particular need to be more flexible and adaptive to the environmental changes we live in. This goes across everything the Board does. Just like in our dental practices, if we see a problem, we cannot wait for six months or a year to correct a problem. Action needs to be taken in a timely way, given the challenging environment around us.<\/p>\n<p>We held a generative discussion enhancing two-way communication with our components. I brought this discussion and sought more input additionally at the following component relations meeting. We revised the MDA Member Conduct Policy to align with the changes made at the ADA House of Delegates in October. These revisions were based on recommendations by a workgroup of House and Board members and were approved for transmission to the 2025 House. In December we also heard and discussed updates and the impact from the Group Practice Pilot Program, our membership marketing campaign, and the latest Member Satisfaction Survey.<\/p>\n<p>We also enjoyed presentations from the deans of both dental schools and from the MDA Foundation, and reviewed and approved the legislative priorities for 2025. We approved policy that supports CDAs performing certain duties under the supervision of a dentist. Lastly, we selected the 2025 MDA award winners you just saw here on the dais, approved the new LEAD program participants, and approved the 2025 Dental PAC Board.<\/p>\n<p>In February of this year, we held a generative discussion on volunteer engagement. We merged the Committees on Annual Session and Continuing Education to help streamline the structure and provide more micro-volunteer roles for member dentists. We directed that a task force be formed to evaluate the sustainability and profitability of the Annual Session. To prepare for this year\u2019s House, we debated and approved multiple resolutions for transmission to the HOD, and we reviewed and approved forwarding seven bylaws amendments to the House.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;22145&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<strong>Delivers remarks \u2013<\/strong> Christy began his speech by noting that he was \u201chumbled and honored\u201d to serve as the MDA\u2019s 161st president.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1698696973333{margin-top: -40px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;background-color: #009ba7 !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;white-text&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;] Journal Feature Story Three [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;] Outgoing President Dr. Todd Christy: \u2018I\u2019ve Been Humbled and Honored to Serve\u2019 Editor\u2019s note: The following is a transcription of outgoing MDA President Christy\u2019s remarks to the MDA House of Delegates on Thursday, April 24 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"parent":21409,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-template-full-width.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","protect_children":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-21488","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2025-11-17 18:16:24","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21488","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21488"}],"version-history":[{"count":23,"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21488\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22671,"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21488\/revisions\/22671"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21409"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21488"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}