Florida FDLR practice questions: Infection control and practice settings

Answer C: Both a sanitary violation and negligence

Rule 64B5-25.001, F.A.C., explicitly states that failure to follow sterilization procedures constitutes both a failure to provide reasonable sanitary facilities (s. 466.028(1)(u), F.S.) and negligence (s. 466.028(1)(x), F.S.). Actual harm is not required for the violation to occur.

Common trap: Thinking a procedural lapse that doesn't hurt anyone is "only" a housekeeping/sanitary issue rather than clinical negligence.

Source: Fla. Admin. Code R. 64B5-25.001 — Purpose

Answer B: At least once every 40 hours of use or 30 days, whichever comes first

Rule 64B5-25.003(9), F.A.C., sets the 40-hour (2,400-minute) use-time or 30-day limit for steam-under-pressure and chemical vapor sterilizers. In this scenario, the 40-hour mark was hit before the 30-day mark, so the test is due immediately.

Common trap: Selecting the 120-hour limit, which only applies to dry heat and ethylene oxide sterilizers.

Source: Fla. Admin. Code R. 64B5-25.003 — Required Sterilization and Disinfection Procedures

Answer B: The dentist must retain a copy of each prescription for a period of 4 years.

Per s. 466.021, F.S., the prescribing dentist is required to retain a copy of the prescription in the office for 4 years, while the laboratory must retain the original for 4 years.

Common trap: The 7-year retention period is a common standard in other states (like California) or for certain HIPAA/federal records, but Florida statutes specifically mandate a 4-year period for lab work orders.

Source: s. 466.021, F.S. — Retention of dental laboratories by dentist; penalty

Answer C: Below the minimum standard of care because the units are not on site

Rule 64B5-17.015, F.A.C., requires an AED at "every dental office location." Practicing without one on site deems the dentist to be practicing below the minimum standard of care regardless of outcomes.

Common trap: Thinking one AED can be shared between nearby locations or that it's only required for "major" offices.

Source: Fla. Admin. Code R. 64B5-17.015 — Office Safety Requirement

Answer C: The dentist may not prescribe a Schedule II controlled substance via telehealth for this patient.

s. 456.47, F.S. prohibits telehealth providers from prescribing Schedule II substances unless the treatment is for a psychiatric disorder, hospital inpatient, hospice, or nursing home resident. None of these exceptions apply to routine acute dental pain.

Common trap: Candidates may assume that "patient of record" or "emergency" status creates an exception for acute pain management.

Source: s. 456.47, F.S. — Use of telehealth to provide services