Should nurses post on social media, HIPAA violation?

[Alexx_xox]

As I am sure many of you guys know by now, recently an ER nurse posted a video on Facebook regarding the flu.

She went on a long rant on how people should be vaccinated for the flu and that people should not have visitors in the hospital during flu season in the ER. Additionally she jokingly showed the viewers how to sneeze into their elbow to avoid spreading germs.

She was also kind of cracking jokes about patients and situations she has]d witnessed while working in the ER.

I am curious your guy's opinions. Do you feel that her posting on social media violated hipaa and what is your opinion on these types of videos or posts?

My personal opinion is this, I do agree with a lot of what she was saying regarding spreading the flu and primarily staying home while you have the flu to prevent getting others sick. I personally don't think she violated hipaa as she did not mention any patients names or anything that would be able to identify them.

However, based on a recent article I read, someone turned her into the board for violating HIPAA and I would love to hear what you guys think.

Comment below!

[Have Nurse, ADN, RN]

HIPAA only involves protected info: Demographics, financial information, medical records and photographs of patients or clients. Employees are not covered by HIPAA in the workplace, for H.R. reasons.

If she did not post photos or personal/medical information of others, she has not violated HIPAA. From what you state, it sounds like she was trying to educate the public.

Many facilities have their own FaceBook page. I personally don't post on social media, other than this website but that's my preference.

[Wuzzie]

Alex was asking for our opinions on the matter. Alex also mentioned that she did not think that the nurse(who posted on social media) violated HIPAA. So why are you guys attacking her???.

I have read and re-read every single post and I fail to see even one sentence that could be construed as "attacking" the OP. What on earth are you talking about?

[NurseCard, ADN]

I have read and re-read every single post and I fail to see even one sentence that could be construed as "attacking" the OP. What on earth are you talking about?

Oh, anytime we disagree with someone, it's attacking. You know that.

She asked for opinions, they were given. No attacks. None whatsoever.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

STAFF NOTE: The original discussion is here in this article where you can view the video.