Healthcare providers are more frequently utilizing social media to market their practices and to dispense health information. In order to protect the patient-physician relationship and ensure a continued positive internet presence for healthcare providers, the American Medical Association (“AMA”) adopted recommendations for physician use of social media. The guidelines recommend that physicians utilize privacy settings on social media websites and develop appropriate mechanisms to monitor their internet presence for accuracy and appropriateness. The AMA also suggests that healthcare providers maintain proper boundaries when interacting with patients on the internet and exercise good faith efforts to protect their clients’ privacy and confidentiality. Finally, the AMA cautions physicians to be mindful of the potential negative implications arising from the use of social media on their reputations and professional careers.
The attorneys at THE HEALTH LAW PARTNERS can assist healthcare providers with the development and implementation of effective, yet legally compliant, marketing programs to effectuate their business objectives. For more information, please contact Carey F. Kalmowitz, Esq. or Adrienne Dresevic, Esq. at (248) 996-8510 or (212) 734-0128, or visit the HLP website.
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