PURPOSE
With the increased usage of social networking and multimedia communication tools, and the continued need to be mindful of privacy regulations, the School of Health Sciences has established this policy to guide the internal and external electronic media communications for students and faculty.
POLICY
This policy will establish general guidelines regarding internal and external communication using social networking, emailing, texting and other forms of electronic recording and communication. The absence or lack of explicit reference to a specific situation does not limit the application of this policy. Students and faculty should use appropriate professional judgment, where no guideline exists, and take the most prudent and professional action possible. Please consult with faculty or supervisor if you are uncertain for clarification.
PROCEDURE
This policy refers to communication using social networking sites which may include (but are not limited to) the following: blogging, microblogging, podcasting, social networking, social news sharing, social bookmarking/social tagging, video hosting, or other internet applications that have potential for mass dissemination of information. Student or faculty communication that may come under scrutiny can occur either internal or external to the college or its associated websites. Disregard for this policy may result in disciplinary action including but not limited to dismissal from program.
- Internet posting or other forms of communication should not contain any confidential information. This includes, but is not limited to, any type of patient or staff information such as name, photograph, social security number, address, diagnosis, treatment, date of admission or any other information which might be protected by Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). Business related information and policy of any clinical education center should not be disclosed publicly through internet postings or other forms of communication.
- Internet posting or other forms of communication should not contain any confidential information related to students, faculty, clinical preceptors, or other employees of the clinical facility. Business and operational related information and policy of the State, College, SoHS, program of study, or other educational center should not be disclosed publicly through internet posts or other forms of communication.
- False, incomplete, misleading or derogatory comments regarding clinical affiliates, their patients, or employees; the college, SoHS, program of study, their students or employees is inappropriate and unacceptable for internet postings or other forms of communication. Students should utilize the SoHS or college policies/procedures and the appropriate channels of communication for their program of study to address dissatisfaction or other concerns. The Student Communication and Resolution of Student Complaints procedure and appropriate forms should be utilized if needed.
- If, on your communication forum, you acknowledge your affiliation with a program, then all communication on that network should reflect a professional persona as you would in a professional network. You should also post in a prominent location the following: “The posts on this site, including but not limited to images, links, and comments left by readers, are my own and do not necessarily represent the college’s position, strategies or opinions”.
- Please be aware that it may be construed as inappropriate for students to seek networking friend relationships with faculty, preceptors, or other employees of the clinical facility. If faculty and preceptors are going to network with students, the forum should allow all students access to join.
- No form of electronic digital photography, videotaping or recording (including PowerPoint presentations) of a faculty course lecture or lab activity is permitted to be posted on any social networking or electronic media sites without prior written authorization of the instructor.