Social media has become the main source for public conversations.
While it may appear that everyone can freely express their opinions on social media, health care workers, students and medical center employees should be cautious about what they share online.
As a reminder, UNMC and Nebraska Medicine have social media guidance to help avoid HIPAA violations and the misuse of social media.
If you have questions about sharing information about patient care, contact the Nebraska Medicine and UNMC Privacy Office.
Also, think twice before engaging in heated conversations or venting online.
Is your place of employment listed online? Is it in your Facebook bio? Do you have a LinkedIn profile under the same name you use on social media? If so, organizational policies require you to take precautions to indicate that you are engaging in social media activity as a private person and not as an employee, agent or spokesperson of UNMC or Nebraska Medicine. Consider adding a disclaimer of “The views expressed in this (blog, website, group, tweet, post) are my own and do not reflect the views of UNMC or Nebraska Medicine.”
Here are some tips to consider before posting online:
- Nothing is private: Remember that what you post will remain discoverable even with a private account. The internet never forgets. Private comments can be screenshot and sent to your employer.
- Avoid defamatory, offensive or derogatory content: Such content could be considered a violation of UNMC’s anti-harassment policy if it is directed toward colleagues, students, partners or those we serve.
- Be mindful of context: Evaluate your intentions. Consider how your post may be received, how it reflects on you and any possible unintended consequences (i.e.: could it result in unwanted online bullying or harassment?). Before posting anything on social media, ask yourself three questions: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?
- Use disclaimers: Ensure others know that your personal account and statements do not represent UNMC or Nebraska Medicine. What you write is your responsibility. We advise using a disclaimer such as “opinions are my own” to avoid misunderstandings.
- Let the experts respond: If you come across complaints about UNMC or our primary clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine, or notice instances that might be considered a crisis through social media, please bring it to the attention of UNMC Strategic Communications or Nebraska Medicine Media Relations. Do not respond on UNMC or Nebraska Medicine’s behalf.
- When expressing political opinions or engaging in political activities, be clear you are doing so as an individual: Your political opinions can only be expressed in your individual capacity on your own social media accounts and, even then, avoid any appearance that you are speaking or acting for the university or hospital in political matters.
- Ask for advice: Unsure if a post is appropriate? Reach out to UNMC Strategic Communications or Nebraska Medicine Media Relations.
Other platforms to consider:
Take time to think about conversations with your colleagues in Microsoft Teams. Teams chat may feel like social media, but as with all work-related communication, professionalism is expected. It is permissible to include protected health information in appropriate Teams communication, but remember, Teams communications can be audited to ensure compliance. So, before you hit send, ask yourself what the Privacy Office would think if it read your comment.
For more information, read UNMC’s social media guidelines.
For more information about Nebraska Medicine’s social media policy, read the Policies and Procedures Manual available to colleagues on the intranet.