Perhaps there is no profession that has been more affected by social media than health care. Long term and post-acute care (LT/PAC) providers often pose these recurring questions: What is social media? Why should our facility use social media? Can the facility restrict the use of social media? Why do I need a social media policy?

Chances are employees are already using social media, and it is possible that it could be hurting the facility. Likewise, if the facility is not taking advantage of social media, it could be missing a valuable marketing opportunity.

In its February 2019 issue, Provider Magazine carries an advice piece by Timothy Ford, member of the Employment Law, Commercial Litigation, and Closely Held Business Law Departments, Einhorn Harris in Denville, New Jersey on best practices for providers in social media. Ford writes that social media can positively impact long term care businesses but cautions that internal policies are legally required.

Ford notes it is unlawful for providers to “prohibit employees from posting information related to work and working conditions,” as are “blanket restrictions from using social media.” Ford urges providers to include confidentiality provisions including clearly defining HIPAA-protected information in internal policies. Lastly, Ford notes “the relationship between a facility and the resident is governed by an admission agreement,” including whether a resident can be contacted via social media.

Read the full article: Time for a Check-up on Social Media Practices (providermagazine.com, February 2019).