Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) Law and Ethics Practice Exam

What action can the dental hygiene board take if services are provided without proper prescription verification?

1. Issue a warning

2. Seek an injunction

3. Charge a fine

4. Notify the patient

The correct answer is: Seek an injunction

The appropriate action that the dental hygiene board can take if services are provided without proper prescription verification is to seek an injunction. An injunction serves as a legal remedy that can be ordered by a court to prevent further unauthorized practice or to halt activities that may be harmful or illegal. In this context, if services are provided without verification of a proper prescription, it suggests a violation of legal and ethical standards in dental practice. Seeking an injunction reflects the board's commitment to uphold regulations and protect public health. It is a proactive measure to ensure compliance and may help to prevent the continuation of potentially harmful practices. This action underscores the seriousness with which regulatory bodies handle violations related to prescription protocols, which are essential for patient safety and effective treatment. Other options like issuing a warning, charging a fine, or notifying the patient may reflect less severe responses to infractions and may not adequately address the potentially serious implications of proceeding without proper verification. Such actions could be seen as insufficient when it comes to ensuring compliance with regulations intended to maintain standards of care and protect patients.