Social Media Policy

1. Purpose

   The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance and expectations for residents and fellows regarding responsible use of social media and online platforms in a manner that supports professionalism, protects patient privacy, maintains public trust, and promotes a respectful learning environment.

2. Scope

   This policy applies to all residents and fellows training within UNR Med-sponsored residency and fellowship programs, including activities occurring on personal or professional social media accounts when such activity impacts the learning environment, patient care environment, clinical partners, or the reputation of UNR Med.

3. Definitions
   For purposes of this policy, social media includes, but is not limited to:
   • Facebook
   • Instagram
   • TikTok
   • X/Twitter
   • LinkedIn
   • YouTube
   • Reddit
   • Blogs
   • Podcasts
   • Online forums
   • Messaging platforms
   • Future or emerging social media technologies
4. Policy Statement
   Residents and fellows are expected to maintain the same standards of professionalism online as they would in clinical, educational, and workplace settings. Social media activity must comply with:
   • HIPAA
   • Institutional confidentiality requirements
   • Professionalism expectations
   • Clinical site policies
   • Applicable federal and state laws, including FERPA
   • ACGME expectations regarding professionalism and learning environments
5. Patient Privacy and Confidentiality
   Residents and fellows shall not:
   • • Post patient information, photographs, videos, or audio recordings
     • Share clinical details that could identify a patient directly or indirectly
     • Discuss patient encounters on social media platforms
     • Post screenshots from electronic medical records or clinical systems

   Share identifiable information related to patient care events, procedures, or outcomes Removing a patient’s name alone does not eliminate the risk of identification. If there is a reasonable possibility a patient could be identified, do not post.

6. Professional Conduct
   Residents and fellows are expected to:
   • • Communicate respectfully online
     • Avoid harassment, bullying, intimidation, retaliation, or discriminatory behavior
     • Refrain from posting content that could reasonably be viewed as threatening, defamatory, or unprofessional
     • Maintain professional boundaries with patients, learners, and colleagues
     • Maintain confidentiality of student information, evaluations, or performance and not disclose online

   Online conduct that negatively affects the learning environment or institutional operations may be reviewed under professionalism policies. This policy is intended to be applied in a manner consistent with constitutional protections.

7. Relationships with Patients
   Residents and fellows should not:
   • • “Friend,” follow, or engage with current patients through personal social media accounts
     • Provide medical advice through social media platforms
     • Use social media for patient communication outside approved clinical systems

   Patient inquiries received through social media should be redirected to appropriate clinical communication channels.

8. Institutional Affiliation
   If a residents or fellow identifies themselves as affiliated with UNR Med or their training program, they must follow these guidelines:
   • Personal social media accounts should not be used for clinical advice or patient interaction
   • Personal opinions should not be represented as institutional positions
   • Institutional logos or branding may not be used without approval
   • Residents and fellows should use the following or similar disclaimer: “The views expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of University of Nevada, Reno, UNR Med, UNR Med GME, or affiliated institutions.”
9. Photography and Recording

   Photography, video, or audio recording within clinical or educational environments must comply with institutional and clinical partner policies. Confidentiality and patient privacy must be maintained at all times.

   Residents and fellows shall not:

   • Record patients, clinical encounters, simulations, conferences, or educational activities without authorization
   • Post photographs taken in patient care areas without approval
   • Share screenshots of schedules, evaluations, emails, educational materials, or internal systems
10. Recruitment and Program Promotion

    Residents and fellows may participate in approved recruitment, educational, and promotional activities that support the program and institution in a professional manner.

    Content should:

    • Accurately represent the training environment
    • Be respectful and inclusive
    • Protect confidential or proprietary information
    • Avoid discussing applicant rankings or Match-related decisions
11. Academic and Educational Materials
    Residents and fellows shall not distribute:
    • Copyrighted educational materials without permission
    • Examination content
    • Confidential institutional documents
    • Confidential internal meeting discussions
    • Protected research or unpublished scholarly work without authorization
12. Reporting Concerns
    Concerns regarding inappropriate social media use may be reported to:
    • • Program leadership
      • The GME Office
      • Human Resources
      • UNR Med Director of Compliance
      • Clinical site leadership, when applicable

    Reports involving retaliation, harassment, threats, or privacy concerns will be reviewed through appropriate institutional processes and may lead to disciplinary action up to an including dismissal.

13. Violations
    Violations of this policy may result in:
    • Informal counseling
    • Professionalism coaching
    • Institutional review
    • Disciplinary action consistent with residency/fellowship policies and institutional procedures, up to and including dismissal

Violations involving HIPAA, patient privacy, threats, harassment, or unlawful activity may result in additional legal or institutional consequences.