Karen Rafeld, Assistant Executive Director
Massachusetts Dental Society
Two Willow Street, Suite 200
Southborough, MA 01745

RE: NCVHS Privacy Subcommittee hearings-September 10-11.

What resources (especially no or low cost ones) are available for entities trying to come into compliance (e.g. from sources such as professional trade associations, health consortiums, task forces, etc.)?

A. Local/state resources available for member dentists from the Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS)

1. MDS sponsored seminars, including local attorney and Massachusetts-specific privacy information (Regional Convention, January 2003)
2. MDS sponsored seminars developed by the American Dental Association (ADA) on November 13 and 14, 2002. Includes MA-specific privacy requirements.
3. Series of articles about HIPAA requirements in MDS newsletters and journals.
4. Links on the MDS website to the ADA HIPAA site and other websites
5. Technical assistance available to members upon request via telephone

B. Other local/state resources

1. Massachusetts Health Data Consortium (MHDC) HIPAA Education Coordinating Committee (MDS a member)
   1. Provides information to MDS on HIPAA and new developments
   2. Sponsors seminars statewide for providers, vendors, claim processors, claims payers.

C. National resources available to member dentists from the American Dental Association (ADA)

1. HIPAA Privacy Kit - $150.00
2. ½ Day Privacy Seminars
3. Conference call discussions for state and component society executive directors
4. Series of educational articles in ADA newsletters and journals
5. www.ada.org web pages devoted to HIPAA information
   1. Links to numerous websites with HIPAA information, including to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services
   2. Calculator to determine financial benefits for electronic transactions.