Avoid Data Breaches, HIPAA Violations When Posting Patients’ Health Information Online

Also, state medical boards often have the right to impose penalties on a physician for privacy violations. The penalties may be monetary or take the form of suspension, termination of medical licensure, or other consequence.

We have heard reports that people who like, share, re-tweet, or comment on inappropriate social media posts are getting reprimanded as well.

Lastly, the reputational harm associated with an inappropriate post on social media is immeasurable, especially in light of the availability of information on the Internet. Unfortunately for the physicians described above, when entering their names in a search engine, instead of seeing their professional accomplishments and prestigious educations, the top hits are news articles reporting on their inappropriate posts.

Post with caution.

Steven M. Harris, Esq., is a nationally recognized healthcare attorney and a member of the law firm McDonald Hopkins LLC. He may be reached at sharris@mcdonaldhopkins.com.