In July 2024, New York Presbyterian Hospital terminated a nurse following an online post suggesting the attempted shooter of former President Donald Trump should “work on his skills.” Similarly, other healthcare workers in Florida and Texas have faced negative consequences after posts suggesting disappointment that President Trump had not been killed. While these workers made the posts on social media to friends, the posts were amplified by the online group Libs of TikTok. Comments on the Libs of TikTok page accused these healthcare workers of being too unreliable to provide life-and-death care to patients with differing political views. Workers fired under these circumstances will likely face complaints to state licensing boards, although the statements may have begun as hyperbole in a limited friendship circle.

If you face discipline for social media statements or other challenges to your professional license, the Lento Law Firm can help. Call us today at 888-535-3686 or submit your details online, and we will contact you.

Social Media and Healthcare Licenses

Anyone can face issues for statements made or behavior depicted on social media. However, healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, and therapists, are particularly sensitive to these issues. Because healthcare workers are entrusted with the care of sick and vulnerable patients, they face challenges for essentially private statements or behavior. It seems unfair that the people working the longest hours under the toughest conditions are also held to the highest standards in their private lives, but that is a reality. Social media is a minefield because a post creates a record of the statement, and this record may be circulated widely, thanks to groups like Libs of TikTok.

How to Avoid Social Media Issues

American Nurse Journal reports that social media posts by nurses can lead to terminations and Board of Nursing (BON) issues. They suggest that nurses and other healthcare workers do the following to avoid issues with social media:

1. Avoid posting anything that might violate the confidentiality or privacy of patients.
2. Avoid posting anything that appears unprofessional. Off-the-job behavior, particularly that involving alcohol or drug use, can lead to job and licensing issues.
3. Know your employer's social media policy and follow it.
4. Remember that online posts and comments are not private communication. They can become public very quickly and without your consent.
5. Any nurse contacted by the BON for social media activity should hire a qualified attorney immediately.

The American Nurse Journal correctly advises that any nurse contacted by the BON should fight allegations as soon as possible. This is because BON decisions in one state are communicated to other states and employers through Nursys, a national database. So, charges in one state can put your license at risk in all states. Further, nurses and doctors may be put on a list by the federal Department of Justice that limits their ability to work at any facility accepting Medicare or Medicaid (i.e., nearly all healthcare facilities).

How the Lento Law Firm Can Help

The Lento Law Firm is one of the most experienced license defense attorneys nationwide. They understand social media issues and have represented countless medical professionals, including nurses, doctors, and therapists. Call us today at 888-535-3686 or submit your details online, and we will contact you.