N.M. Code R. § 13.10.6.15 – Dental Records

A. The prepaid dental plan shall assure that a unit dental record system capable of readily providing necessary clinical information is maintained.
B. The dental record shall be maintained at the appropriate provider facility in accordance with acceptable professional standards and shall include records covering all symptoms presented, diagnosis made and dental treatment provided to each member of the prepaid dental plan by its provider group(s) during the term of his membership. This requirement applies to all dental services provided to members whether provided by employees of the organization or nonemployees (contractors) at the request of the prepaid dental plan.
C. Dental records shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed except upon release by the patient, subpoena or court order.
D. Pursuant to the requirements of Section 59A-48-1 NMSA 1978 et seq., the dental records of the prepaid dental plan’s provider group(s) shall be made available for review by representatives of the health services division or the superintendent. During routine surveys, the health services division or the superintendent or their representatives will review dental records of members of the prepaid dental plan on a random sample basis. On complaint or special investigations, specific dental records will be reviewed. Confidentially of patient records shall be maintained.
E. If the member discontinues membership in the prepaid dental plan it shall furnish, upon his request, copies of his records. A reasonable charge may be made for these copies based upon the cost of duplicating them.
[11/20/79; Recompiled 11/30/01]