It is rare to find anyone, even among healthcare professionals, who is not connected to social media in some way. Whether using sites like LinkedIn to network with other professionals or applications like Facebook to communicate with family, healthcare professionals can be found on social media platforms just as any other professionals can.
Unlike many people, though, healthcare professionals must remember that social media activity can lead to disciplinary actions in California. If you are using social media as a healthcare professional, keeping certain best practices in mind to protect your license is vital.
How Social Media Can Affect Your License
Certain social media posts and actions taken online can create professional risks. Such actions can include:
- Posting private health information about patients online
- Filming yourself performing procedures without the consent of the patient
- Documenting errors and mistakes in posts, videos, or photographs
- Celebrating unprofessional conduct or using inappropriate language
Depending on the egregiousness of the offense, disciplinary action could range from a reprimand or censure to suspension and revocation of your license.
Tips for Smart Social Media Use for Healthcare Professionals
While a healthcare license defense lawyer can help you mitigate the consequences of poor social media use, the best practice is to avoid any disciplinary issues altogether. As you use social media, make sure to follow these key tips:
Keep Work and Personal Accounts Separate
Consider keeping separate social media accounts for your professional life and for your personal life. For example, you may want to keep a LinkedIn profile to connect with others professionally while using X to communicate with family and friends.
Similarly, you might have a personal Facebook account for yourself and another for your business.
Never Post Patient Information Without Consent
No matter how interesting a patient’s condition might be or its value to others, you should always get a patient’s consent before posting things about them online. Revealing any information about a patient that could identify them and their medical condition is a significant breach of trust that can result in disciplinary action.
If you have any questions about whether it is safe to post certain information, talk with a healthcare license defense lawyer before posting. Violating patient confidentiality can result not only in disciplinary action against your license but also in legal action.
You Should Not Respond to Patients’ Posts.
While a patient may post and mention you, complain about your services, or make false claims, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is to respond and acknowledge that you treated them or make statements in defense that may risk disclosing confidential patient information. Consult an attorney before responding or taking action in any way.
Remain Professional
Always remember that what you say and do online can, and often will, be made public. Refrain from photographs in which you are excessively drinking or engaging in risky or illegal behavior.
Avoid making posts — even on your own personal social media accounts — that could be seen as racist, sexist, or otherwise negative toward a group of people.
Consult a Healthcare License Defense Lawyer Today
If you are a healthcare professional whose license is on the line because of social media use in California, you need an experienced healthcare license defense lawyer on your side. The seasoned team at S J Harris Law can prepare and present a response on your behalf to allegations of unethical behavior due to social media use.
Let us help you protect your future. Contact S J Harris Law to request your complimentary 30-minute consultation with us today.
