HIPAA?

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Specializes in Cardiac, CVICU.

So a friend of mine mentioned on facebook that she hated how clinical facilities treated SNs. I commented back that I liked our previous clinical facility (and I mentioned the name) because they allowed us to do a lot. I also mentioned that the MAs were very nice and wanted us to go on runs with them to help with medication. I didn't mention any names or specifics - it was done in a positive light.

My dean just called me a while ago saying that what I posted was a HIPAA violation and I needed to delete it ASAP. She said that I signed a HIPAA waiver that this violated. It was mentioned that it would come up in the next staff meeting and they may need to talk with me. It wasn't too bad!

I didn't understand that HIPAA covered this. Could anyone clarify what I did wrong and maybe the appropriate material that outlines this?

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Inappropriate? Maybe. Violation of school confidentiality policy? Likely. Especially if you tagged the facility and or the school. The company admin can view any posts they are tagged in. Just ask the lady in Florida who posted a nasty complaint "privately" on her own FB wall but tagged the school. Her child was dismissed. The school admin was able to see the "private" post

HIPAA? Nope. Unless you discussed any information that could identify a patient such as MA-1 always wanted me to help with her med run at ABX123 as she had a 90-year old demented lady that had a complicated drug regimen for resistant cdiff. Definitely tmi. Possible HIPAA as it's not likely there is more than one patient with this age, diagnosis & regimen

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Specializes in Cardiac, CVICU.

I didn't tag the facility or school - it was just a comment on my friend's post. I am almost positive one of our professors read it and turned it into the dean.

I just did some reading and that was not a HIPAA violation whatsoever, but it did go against our confidentiality statement. And the confidentiality statement said that "I further understand that intentional or involuntary violation of confidentiality may result in an unsatisfactory clinical grade." But that clinical is long gone, so they couldn't really do anything.

I was just confused at my dean saying it violated HIPAA. If I get called in (which I doubt), I'm going to mention that. She just said that it will come up in the next staff meeting and that they may call me in to discuss it. I'm not worried, but a little confused where I went wrong.

SOOOO... Just a tip to anyone reading this: Don't discuss anything mildly related to clinicals and make sure to block your instructors on facebook. I know ours especially like to pry for information, so it is best.

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JustBeachy is right. No matter how innocent a post seems; someone, somewhere might take it in a negative way. We all make mistakes, but, it is important that we learn from them. I wouldn't make any further remarks about any clinical facilities, patients, school, etc. It would be a good habit to get into now to just leave anything hospital or facility related at the hospital/facility and NOT on Facebook. Facebook is not as private as we all think and can (and has) gotten people in trouble.

I would also reference your school handbook as they usually have social media policies listed....hospitals usually have policies on this as well.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

I'm shocked your school permits you to friend instructors on social media while an active student. This was prohibited at my school until graduation.

HIPAA is often used as an excuse for any confidentiality issue, quite often in error.

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Specializes in Peds critical care.

I have over one hundred friends that are nurses on my FB page and you would never know it. NOBODY mentions ANYTHING remotely work related, no matter where any of us work. It's just understood. You don't do it as a professional.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

Is your friend in any trouble? Speaking poorly (or even well) about a clinical site on social media is very taboo. I agree, it's not a HIPAA violation, but definitely a school policy violation, and posts like these can get hospitals to stop allowing students from a school. Is your friend aware of her mistake? In the future, should a friend make a post like that, send a personal message instead of posting on the status where anyone can see (don't be fooled by thinking privacy settings offer ANY protection). Assume that every teacher, family member, and future employer will see every post you'll ever write.

The closest thing I ever did was, "Don't come to City X, bad things are happening to people!" after a night in the ER with a stabbing victim, a rape victim, a few MVAs and a few other seriously bad cases. No one would know WHY I was posting this unless they knew where I was doing my clinicals AND knew what was going on.

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Specializes in Cardiac Stepdown, PCU.

Nvm! Misread!

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If you are describing the posts correctly, there is no HIPAA violation. HIPAA protects patients, not entities. If I were you though, I would not meet with your school & behave like a smartie pants about it. Be apologetic & understanding as you attentively learn what you did wrong. Conclude by assuring them it won't happen again.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
I didn't tag the facility or school - it was just a comment on my friend's post. I am almost positive one of our professors read it and turned it into the dean.

I just did some reading and that was not a HIPAA violation whatsoever, but it did go against our confidentiality statement. And the confidentiality statement said that "I further understand that intentional or involuntary violation of confidentiality may result in an unsatisfactory clinical grade." But that clinical is long gone, so they couldn't really do anything.

I was just confused at my dean saying it violated HIPAA. If I get called in (which I doubt), I'm going to mention that. She just said that it will come up in the next staff meeting and that they may call me in to discuss it. I'm not worried, but a little confused where I went wrong.

SOOOO... Just a tip to anyone reading this: Don't discuss anything mildly related to clinicals and make sure to block your instructors on facebook. I know ours especially like to pry for information, so it is best.

Many schools and facilities say HIPAA and are incorrect in that application. However in the confidentiality/code of conduct/HIPPA paper you signed social media is increasingly addressed and schools/facilities are are very particular about being mentioned on social media.

My strong suggestion...I would NOT confront your school over the use of HIPAA as an umbrella catch all. I would apologize, be humble and say I'm sorry.

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Specializes in ICU.

What you did was wrong. You cannot post on social media whatsoever. Just do not do it. Your comment should have been reserved for a text, not a public Facebook post. I would also never "friend" one of my professors. You are asking for trouble and I think it is unprofessional on the professor's part.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Great thread - all of us need a reminder of the potential career impact of Social Media.

I just wish there was some way to automatically prevent newbies from using their real names & pics here on AN. There could be serious consequences :(

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