Professionalism and Social Media Mandate Reporter Statue in Florida

Professionalism and Social Media Mandate Reporter Statue in Florida

Introduction

In the modern world, a higher percentage of students are using social media as a means to supplement learning. Using social media and maintaining professionalism without misconduct is a challenge because there are no universal laws or standards informing appropriate conduct. Medical professionals are on online platforms sharing information, provide commentary, reflect, and portray events, even with the associated risks of this type of social media References

Gholami-Kordkheili, Wild, & Strech (2013). A breach of patient confidentiality and malpractice can be easy hence posing ethical challenges Guseh, Brendel, & Brendel (2009). This paper focuses on mandated reporter statute on medical malpractice in Florida.

Florida Mandated Reporter Statute.

According to Horty, Springer & Mattern, (2019) in Florida, if a healthcare provider commits malpractice or constitutes ground for discipline, a peer review panel shall investigate and determine whether grounds for discipline exist with respect to such staff member ,“The governing board of any licensed facility, after considering the recommendations of its peer review panel, shall suspend, deny, revoke, or curtail the privileges, or reprimand, counsel, or require education, of any such staff member or physician after a final determination has been made” Horty, Springer & Mattern, (2019). The final determination in the case of SM misuse is made on the basis that there was failure to comply with policies, procedures, directives of the risk management program or any quality assurance committees of any licensed facility. All disciplinary actions taken are to be reported to the in writing to the DHQA within 30 days. Division of Health Quality Assurance. Clarifying on the details of the offender practitioner, the discipline action and its rationale. In case of changes report to the DHQA within 10 working days in more details. No monetary against an individual without intention. In case of repeated non willful violations a fee of $10,000 or less is imposed and $25,000 for intentional violation, per day.

Steps in Reporting

A peer review panel selected by the facility which is conducted by written binding procedures. 1. Identify if there is concern in the facility. 2. What’s the nature of the concern, it can be malpractice, breech of patients’ rights. 3. Identify the healthcare provider that is raising concern.4. Indicate the specific nature of the complaint. 5. Investigate the issue in depth. 6. Come up with ways to address the issue and grounds for discipline. If the offender is guilty, write down the course of action to take as per guidelines of risk management program of the facility. Write a report containing details of the offender, concern and action to the DHQA.

Mandated reporter scenario: A trauma and emergency nurse is applying for an appointment and clinical privileges at our system who has a history of malpractice in terms of improper Facebook posts and comments about the patients HIV status. For the last past five years, she has settled three malpractice claims ($200,000, $150,000, and $65,000).  She also has two other cases that are pending. I am reluctant to grant her an appointment.  At the same time, I am not sure if we have enough to deny his application.

                                                Conclusion and Future Study

In order to gain a complete understanding of SM effects on the nursing profession it is necessary to conduct further research and develop appropriate universal polies in nursing institutions and in the field. Mandate reporter statute helps to ensure that healthcare providers avoid absurd SM posting.  Client’s rights are protected from abuse and malpractice.

References

Horty, Springer & Mattern, (2019 July, 24). Florida Reporting Statute. Retrieved from      https://www.hortyspringer.com/reporting-statutes-by-state/florida-reporting-statute/

Gholami-Kordkheili, F., Wild, V., & Strech, D. (2013). The impact of social media on medical    professionalism: a systematic qualitative review of challenges and opportunities. Journal       of medical Internet research15(8), e184.

Guseh, J. S., Brendel, R. W., & Brendel, D. H. (2009). Medical professionalism in the age of       online social networking. Journal of medical ethics35(9), 584-586..

Kind, T., Genrich, G., Sodhi, A., & Chretien, K. C. (2010). Social media policies at US medical schools. Medical education online15(1), 5324.

Sorg, B. A. (2013). Is Meaningful Peer Review Headed Back to Florida. Akron L. Rev.46, 799.