APMA News - June 2012 - (Page 34)

Technoﬁle Guidelines for Social Media in Medical Practice The following is an excerpt from the Federation of State Medical Boards’ (FSMB) Model Policy Guidelines for the Appropriate Use of Social Media and Social Networking in Medical Practice. These excellent guidelines outline some basic tenets for responsible, professional use of social media by physicians. They are reprinted here with the express written permission of the FSMB. To access the full document, visit www.fsmb.org/pdf/pub-social-media-guidelines.pdf. Disclosure At times, physicians may be asked or may choose to write online about their experiences as health professionals, or they may post comments on a website as physicians. When doing so, physicians must reveal any existing conflicts of interest, and they should be honest about their credentials as physicians. Interacting with Patients Physicians are discouraged from interacting with current or past patients on personal social networking sites such as Facebook. Physicians should only have online interaction with patients when discussing the patient’s medical treatment within the physician-patient relationship, and these interactions should never occur on personal social networking or social media websites. Posting Content Physicians should be aware that any information they post on a social networking site may be disseminated (whether intended or not) to a larger audience, and that what they say may be taken out of context or remain publicly available online in perpetuity. When posting content online, they should always remember that they are representing the medical community. Physicians should always act professionally and take caution not to post information that is ambiguous or that could be misconstrued or taken out of context. Physician employees of health-care institutions should be aware that employers may reserve the right to edit, modify, delete, or review Internet communications. Physician writers assume all risks related to the security, privacy, and confidentiality of their posts. When moderating any website, physicians should delete inaccurate information or others’ posts that violate the privacy and confidentiality of patients or that are of an unprofessional nature. Discussion of Medicine Online Social networking websites may be useful places for physicians to gather and share their experiences, as well as to discuss areas of medicine and particular treatments. These types of professional interactions with other physicians represent an ancillary and convenient means for peer-to-peer education and dialogue. While such networks may be useful, it is the responsibility of the physician to ensure, to the best of his or her ability, that professional networks for physicians are secure and that only verified and registered users have access to the information. These websites should be password protected so that non-physicians do not gain access and view discussions as implying medical advice, which may be counter to the physicians’ intent in such discussions. Physicians should also confirm that any medical information from an online discussion that they plan to incorporate into their medical practice is corroborated and supported by current medical research. Professionalism To use social media and social networking sites professionally, physicians should also strive to adhere to the following general suggestions: • Privacy/Conﬁdentiality Just as in the hospital or ambulatory setting, patient privacy and confidentiality must be protected at all times, especially on social media and social networking websites. These sites have the potential to be viewed by many people, and any breaches in confidentiality could be harmful to the patient and in violation of federal privacy laws, such as HIPAA. While physicians may discuss their experiences in non-clinical settings, they should never provide any information that could be used to identify patients. Physicians should never mention patients’ room numbers, refer to them by code names, or post their pictures. 34 APMA News June 2012 • • • • Use separate personal and professional social networking sites. For example, use a personal rather than professional e-mail address for logging on to social networking websites for personal use. Others who view a professional e-mail attached to an online profile may misinterpret the physician’s actions as representing the medical profession or a particular institution. Report any unprofessional behavior witnessed to supervisory and/or regulatory authorities. Always adhere to the same principles of professionalism online as they would offline. Cyber-bullying by a physician toward any individual is inappropriate and unprofessional. Refer, as appropriate, to an employer’s social media or social networking policy for direction on the proper use of social media and social networking in relation to physicians’ employment. n http://www.fsmb.org/pdf/pub-social-media-guidelines.pdf

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of APMA News - June 2012

APMA News - June 2012
President’s Message
Contents
APMA Introduces REdRC
Legislative Scrapbook
APMA By the Decade
Profiles in Progress
2011 Podiatric Practice Survey
Reimbursement
Federal Advocacy Forum
List of Cosponsors to the Equity and Access for Podiatric Physicians Under Medicaid Act
APMAPAC Chair Report
IT Consultant
Website Wisdom
Technofile
Small Business 101
CPME Update
Pediatric Medical Assistans' Education Program
Annual Scientific Meeting Preliminary Program
Annual Scientific Meeting Sponsors
Annual Scientific Meeting Registration Form
APMA All Stars
In Short
Worthy of Note
Affiliates Corner
List of Affiliated Organizations
Insurance Advisor
New Members
Death Notices
APMAPAC Update
Development Update
Call for Third-party Comments
Classified Advertising
Dates to Remember
Advertising Index
Your APMA

APMA News - June 2012