Social media has dramatically changed the way people interact with one another, and it has become a large part of life for many people. In fact, a recent study found that about 244 million Americans—about two-thirds of the entire population!—use some type of social media. Many professionals, including lawyers, accountants, and consultants, maintain various social media accounts, as do many doctors, psychologists, dentists, and other healthcare professionals. In light of modern privacy laws, however, medical professionals must be sure that their social media posting remains ethical and compliant with the standards that apply to such individuals.

Privacy and Ethics

A healthcare professional is required to follow a variety of privacy laws, the most notable of which is the Health Insurance Portability Act—more commonly known as HIPAA. While there are many elements to HIPAA, one of the law’s primary functions is to ensure that patient’s personal and healthcare information is well protected. Unfortunately, not all medical professionals are as careful on social media as they should be, and sometimes, a doctor or nurse might post something that violates HIPAA, leading to the possibility of action from the state licensing board.

Keeping Yourself Safe

If you are a healthcare professional who uses social media for personal or professional reasons, there are few things you can do protect yourself from potential problems:

Though not as much as a physician, it often takes years of schooling and studying to become a nurse. All of that hard work finally culminates when you apply to receive an Illinois nursing license that enables you to practice in the state of Illinois. If you are a nurse, you are held to certain standards, which if broken, can result in disciplinary action. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) is the licensing body that oversees all nursing, physician, pharmacist, psychologist and chiropractic licenses, among many others. The IDFPR is also the disciplining body that will take action against your license if you are accused of wrongdoing.

Cause for Disciplinary Action

There are a number of reasons why a nurse could face disciplinary action against his or her license. These reasons include behavior such as “unethical or unprofessional conduct,” or being convicted of a crime. Here are a few common reasons why you may find yourself facing disciplinary action against your license:

• Being convicted of any crime that is a felony or misdemeanor and contains an essential element of dishonesty or is directly related to the nursing profession
• Behavior that demonstrates the incapacity or incompetence to safely and lawfully practice nursing
• Violating any rules stated in the Nurse Practice Act
• Engaging in dishonorable or unethical conduct that is likely to harm the public
• Unlawful taking, selling, distributing or manufacturing of any drug or narcotic
• Excessive use or addiction to alcohol or narcotics that prevents the safe practice of nursing
• Sexual abuse, sexual misconduct or sexual exploitation of a patient
• Failing to provide information or purposefully providing false information to the IDFPR
• Failing to report a suspected case of child abuse or neglect

Types of Disciplinary Action

If you have been accused of any of the above violations, the IDFPR has probably gotten into contact with you about disciplinary actions. There are a number of actions that could be taken against your license. These include:

Throughout the United States, thousands of people dedicate their lives to clinical psychology and social work. From psychological or mental health counseling to rehabilitation counseling, in the state of Illinois, these professionals are only able to operate within the state after receiving a certified license from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). If a psychologist or social worker is accused of some form of misconduct, it is likely that they could face some form of discipline or license revocation. If you face an investigation from the IDFPR, it is critically important to seek out legal guidance, as soon as possible.

Misconduct in Illinois

Every year, the IDFPR conducts thousands of investigations to look into cases of potential misconduct. Common forms of clinical psychology and social work misconduct, include:

• Sexual Harassment or Misconduct: According to recent studies, approximately 12% of all mental health professionals admit to having had some form of sexual contact with a patient. In all likelihood that number is much lower than the true percentage of sexual misconduct cases within various psychological professions. Even a consensual sexual relationship with a patient constitutes sexual misconduct and could result in an investigation.
• Confidentiality Agreement Violations: Mental health professionals are bound by federal or statewide confidentiality agreements. Violating confidentiality agreements is a direct form of unethical behavior and misconduct. These violations constitute a breach of contract that professional has with his or her patient, and can lead to a license revocation and further legal consequences.
• Unethical Conduct: Other common forms of unethical conduct among mental health professionals include the unwillingness to meet with a patient in crisis, the scheduling of unnecessary meetings for insurance payment, and the intentional misdiagnosis of mental health conditions. If you have been accused of any of these forms of unethical conduct, contact a legal professional right away.

Contact a Clinical Psychologist Defense Lawyer in Illinois

If you are contacted by the IDFPR regarding a potential a complaint investigation, it is important to inform your attorney as soon as possible. A qualified attorney can help you move forward during the investigation process, and decide whether a settlement acceptance or a hearing in front of an administrative law judge is the best option for your career. Attorney Joseph J. Bogdan has years of experience helping those involved in complaint investigations and is dedicated to protecting the careers of his clients. To set up a meeting with an Illinois professional license defense attorney, call us today at 630-310-1267.