facebook and HIPPA

Has anyone known nurses who put pictures of patients to their facebook accounts? Is this even legal?
A good thread: Nurse posts brain surgery pics on Facebook - Nursing for Nurses

HIPAAAnd no, it is definitely not legal. Some would even call it unethical and/or immoral to violate a patient's privacy in that way.Why do you ask?

Technically or real-world?Technically:"Individually identifiable health information” is information, including demographic data [...] and that identifies the individual or for which there is a reasonable basis to believe it can be used to identify the individual."Real-world:Posting pictures = termination. Don't do it, unless you're up for a drawn-out legal battle.

There can be more far-reaching consequences to such an action than just getting terminated from your job. Not wise at all.

I do know of some MD bloggers who do post intraop films. They do so more of showing an interesting case. The patient is never mentioned. But they do pretty fully present the case particulars. I study these cases!!! Love it.I know a student nurse who took pics of terrible injuries in the er with pt permission with her phone. She wanted to show her instructor and the rest of us. The hospital didn't seem to care. I was a little concerned for her... as far as I know she never posted them. However I am not on facebook, and refuse friendship offers routinely so I wouldn't know if she did.I also was told by a classmate that someone she works with complains about her job on her facebook, and has coworkers as friends on that page.

Quote from 2ndwindI do know of some MD bloggers who do post intraop films. They do so more of showing an interesting case. The patient is never mentioned. But they do pretty fully present the case particulars. I study these cases!!! Love it.I know a student nurse who took pics of terrible injuries in the er with pt permission with her phone. She wanted to show her instructor and the rest of us. The hospital didn't seem to care. I was a little concerned for her... as far as I know she never posted them. However I am not on facebook, and refuse friendship offers routinely so I wouldn't know if she did.I also was told by a classmate that someone she works with complains about her job on her facebook, and has coworkers as friends on that page.

In my understanding and opinion this is not only unethical and immoral but illegal as well. Even if the patient gives a consent it is easy enough to say they did not understand the ramifications especially given the medications they are usually on in the hospital.

Quote from jess1983_LPNHas anyone known nurses who put pictures of patients to their facebook accounts? Is this even legal?

And it's one thing for a patient to post pics of their own injuries and whatnot on their own social media site. But not for a nurse to post someone else's stuff is a whole different thing.

I work in LTC and have patients that send me friend requests on FB. Im afraid that if i deny them theyll be offended when i see them at work the next week.But on the other hand Im not sure I want these people to be privy to my nonprofessional life!

So I work in pediatric home health. It's very common for nurses to pull out their phone to show me pix of their other "kids". Most tell me the parents wouldn't mind. Makes me wonder-- were the parents even asked?I don't have any idea if they post them online anywhere. I've always wondered if it's a disregard for HIPAA or ignorance.

Quote from CDD~LPNI work in LTC and have patients that send me friend requests on FB. Im afraid that if i deny them theyll be offended when i see them at work the next week.But on the other hand Im not sure I want these people to be privy to my nonprofessional life!