The Hidden Danger in Physical Therapists’ Before and After Social Media Campaigns
Today’s licensed physical therapists work in a hyper-competitive business environment that prioritizes visibility. As a result, many of them rely on social media campaigns to get an edge over their competition. One of the most common types of social media advertising is the “before and after” photos of the results therapists have achieved for their clients. However, many therapists don’t realize that these types of advertisements could put their license at risk for HIPAA violations.
Are you a licensed physical therapist facing investigation or board sanctions for HIPAA violations? Take it seriously. HIPAA regulations protect patients’ privacy rights, and state licensing boards take HIPAA violations just as seriously as malpractice allegations or felony convictions. That means you could lose your license, even if you didn’t know you were committing a violation. Call the LLF National Law Firm Professional License Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or contact us online today.
Why Before and After Photos Pose License Risks to Therapists
On the surface, a simple before-and-after photo showing the progress your patients have made while under your care seems totally innocent. It’s not a lie, and your patient was probably happy with the improvement in their physical condition. However, HIPAA regulations require this type of advertising to be handled very carefully.
Posting before-and-after photos without the proper release exposes you to a potential HIPAA violation. So does posting pictures of clients’ faces that include their name or other information that people looking at the ad could use to identify the client. In either case, your client could report you to the state board for violating HIPAA. Your state board will investigate the complaint, and if they find a violation, the board will not hesitate to sanction you.
How to Protect Yourself from HIPAA Investigations and Sanctions
New clients are the lifeblood of any physical therapist’s practice, and advertising the potential benefits of your practice by profiling patient success stories via social media advertising is such an effective way to get them. With that said, you are always responsible for advertising in a manner that complies with your state board and HIPAA regulations.
Many therapists mistakenly assume the same kind of “iron-clad” release clauses used in television and radio advertising are sufficient, but those clauses may not be HIPAA-compliant. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The LLF National Law Firm Professional License Defense Team can help you craft a HIPAA-compliant release so you can run your advertisements without risking a violation.
We can also help if your state board is actively investigating you for HIPAA violations in your advertising. Our team is as dedicated to fighting for you as you are to helping your clients get back to full fitness and range of motion. Call the LLF National Law Firm Professional License Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or contact us online today!