California Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) Law and Ethics exam

If a former supervisor refers a client to you suggesting a split fee, what is the appropriate response?

1. Report to the BBS

2. Negotiate a new split fee arrangement

3. Inform the supervisor it is unethical to split fees

4. Inform supervisor that she can only get 25%

The correct answer is: Inform the supervisor it is unethical to split fees

The appropriate response to a former supervisor referring a client to you with a suggestion of a split fee is to inform the supervisor that it is unethical to split fees. This reflects the principle of maintaining ethical standards in professional relationships and ensures transparency and integrity within the profession. In many professional settings, including healthcare and dental hygiene, splitting fees can lead to conflicts of interest and a compromise of client care. Ethical guidelines typically state that professionals should not engage in fee-splitting as it may influence a practitioner’s judgment or decision-making regarding the client’s welfare. By addressing the unethical nature of the suggestion directly, you reinforce the importance of ethical practices in your profession and protect the interests of the client. This approach also aligns with the responsibilities of a registered dental hygienist to uphold the standards of conduct required by regulatory bodies, ensuring that any referral and compensation practices are fair and in accordance with legal regulations. The other options, such as reporting to the BBS or negotiating a new arrangement, may not directly address the ethical concern presented by the fee-splitting suggestion, and suggesting a specific percentage could imply acceptance of the unethical practice rather than confronting it outright.