Is this Facebook status Hipaa compliant?

Accolay · Sep 26, 2017

It's not a HIPAA violation, but as a student it's not HIPAA you really need to worry about, it's not unusual for schools to discipline or remove you from the program for any posts that mention of what goes on at clinicals.

Agree. There were some nursing students a couple of years ago that made news by taking a picture with....a placenta. They were all booted.

Nursing Students Kicked out for Placenta Photos - CBS News

chacha82, ADN, BSN · Sep 26, 2017

Since you asked... I feel like no good can come of it. Worse, someone from your class may see it and tell your instructors, who will not approve of your posting anything about clinical on social media. I'm not on FB anymore and I so do not miss it.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Sep 26, 2017

So, I like to post things that happen to me that I find funny.
Is this FB status okay in terms of HIPPA?
"First day of clinical and I had a patient tell me that they liked my hair which was really nice to hear because I had to put no less than 53 bobbypins in it to make it look presentable. Oh, and they also said I'd make a beautiful nun!"
Also, am I allowed to quote a patient if I put no other information about them?

Oh, good lord! People get into trouble, lose their jobs or are expelled from school from social media posts on a regular basis. Please, please, please don't court problems. Don't post about school or clinicals; don't even say where you go to school or clinical.

The statement itself is cute and funny. Post it, but don't reference clinicals. Say a stranger on the bus liked your hair or the grocery store cashier or something NOT related to HIPAA, even peripherally.

allnurses Guide · Sep 27, 2017

I think nursing school may have swung too far on this "hippa" stuff; instead of trying to scare students maybe actually teach them (or at least have them read) the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (which is HIPAA as has been corrected above). Schools seem to hide behind the fear of it for all their conduct issues.

There is nothing wrong with that post at all.

ProperlySeasoned · Sep 27, 2017

The post you are referring to is highly benign. However, I will share with you the wise words of a former mentor. "If you are wondering whether or not you should say something, don't say it."

Ruby Vee, BSN · Sep 27, 2017

I think nursing school may have swung too far on this "hippa" stuff; instead of trying to scare students maybe actually teach them (or at least have them read) the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (which is HIPAA as has been corrected above). Schools seem to hide behind the fear of it for all their conduct issues.
There is nothing wrong with that post at all.

That post is probably fine. But posting about clinicals desensitizes one to posting about clinicals . . . the next one may not be perfectly fine. A good rule of thumb is that if you're questioning whether you should post something, you should not.

Trauma Columnist · Sep 27, 2017

It may be HIPAA compliant but it is absolutely in your best interest not to post ANYTHING about school, work or anything career related on FB.

I can't tell you how many times a week we (AN staff) answer frantic messages begging us to quickly remove something as the student or nurse got into hot water for posting on social media.

Please understand everything is discoverable on social media - nothing is private.

allnurses Guide · Sep 27, 2017

That post is probably fine. But posting about clinicals desensitizes one to posting about clinicals . . . the next one may not be perfectly fine. A good rule of thumb is that if you're questioning whether you should post something, you should not.

Does posting here desensitize us as well?

Does posting a photo of pinning or graduation or a study group or just a photo in scrubs also get blackballed? What about setting a nursing program as your school on Facebook even?

Again I don't disagree that the OP should consider why she felt the need to use "clinical" and "patient" as the anecdote would have had the same impact without it; perhaps the OP could shed some light on this but seems like she was just doing a little proud boasting and sharing her excitement, which its hard to really have a problem with.

This isn't a legal issue. It could perhaps be an issued with the student COC in the Student Handbook at the school and the OP, as an adult, should have read/be familiar with this and can make her own judgement on whether it is in violation of that.

I would be just as concerned about posting the same exact thing here to an open forum of nurses and nurse educators than I would on a private social media page of friends and family.

RNNPICU, BSN, RN · Sep 27, 2017

AS others have said the post is relatively benin. Take out the word clinical and patient. Saying something like "ahd a great day today. Someone told me....."

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Sep 27, 2017

HIPAA and Facebook will never be compatible. Even vague references/ stories are unprofessional.

Just say no.

she244 · Sep 27, 2017

My Medical Director had a outside IT company come in and look at our Facebook and other social media sites. They brought up each employees site and showed each of us what could be considered a HIPPA violation or what is against the organization policy for the department I work in. So I do not post anything about what happens at work or even when asked about people who have recognizable names in the media I plead stupid. I actually say I do not know the person they are talking about. I get funny looks and even sarcastic remarks but I do not say a word. I keep my job!

RNrhythm, BSN, RN · Sep 27, 2017

I think it's a good idea to avoid using Facebook to discuss work and interactions with patients.

Yep. You never know how people will interpret things and even if your privacy settings are locked down, all it takes is someone to make a screen capture and then you go viral.