Page 33 - Part 1 Navigating Electronic Media in a Healthcare Setting

SVMIC Navigating Electronic Media in a Healthcare Setting

internet during this down time. In the event of an adverse outcome
and a claim is asserted, it would be an obstacle to the defense if it

were discovered that the provider was on social media or the

internet during the patient’s procedure. In 2011, there was a case
that involved a 61-year-old female, who died in a Dallas medical

facility during a surgery to correct an irregular heartbeat. The
defense was severely hampered when the patient’s surgeon later

accused the anesthesiologist of failing to monitor the patient’s
blood-oxygen levels for 15 to 20 minutes while surfing the web on

his phone. For this reason, many hospitals, clinics and practices

have restricted social media and internet access during work
hours.

While social media may enhance the ability of a practice to share
important educational and marketing information with the patient,

potential patient and their families at minimal cost, there are

associated risks. Before developing an online presence via social
media, it is wise to first develop a written Social Medial Policy for

the practice. This policy should include clear guidelines not only as

to content the practice uses, but also on what providers and staff
may post on their personal sites relative to the practice. The policy

should also address if and when the practice will permit an
employee to access social media during work hours and while at

the place of employment. All employees from the top to the bottom
should be required to review and sign the Social Media Policy.

Website and Online Advertising

The HIPAA Privacy Rule requires covered entities to obtain a
patient’s written authorization for uses and disclosers of protected

health information for purposes other than treatment, payment and

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