Like, Comment, Post . . . Lawsuit?!: Social Media, Electronic Communications, and Recording
- DOI:
- 10.1093/med/9780190066420.003.0023
Social media (SM) and electronic communication (EC) use in emergency practice settings has offered patients and health care providers expansive options in accessing and utilizing information that affects medical decision-making. This widespread use has created opportunities and challenges for the health care community. This chapter discusses some of the ethical and legal ramifications of utilizing electronic communication, social media, and internet forums in patient care. The chapter seeks to prime emergency physicians and other providers to better inform themselves in order to ensure compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other privacy standards. This will facilitate better patient outcomes via collaborative diagnosis while protecting against legal risks associated with the use of SM, EC, and recording for medical purposes.