Can Social Media Use Lead to Professional License Discipline?

 Posted on September 06, 2023 in Professional License Defense

Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. It allows us to connect with friends, share our thoughts and experiences, and stay up to date with current events. However, what many people may not realize is that their social media activity can have serious consequences, especially for professionals who hold licenses in regulated fields such as law or medicine. If you are potentially facing professional license discipline related to the use of social media, an attorney can help you understand your options.

The Impact of Social Media on Professional Image

Your professional image is crucial when it comes to your career. As a licensed professional, you are expected to uphold certain standards of behavior both inside and outside of your workplace. This includes your presence on social media platforms. What you say or do online can reflect on your professionalism and affect your credibility within your field.

Social media posts are often public by default unless specific privacy settings are put in place. However, even if you believe only a select group of people can see what you post online, there is always a chance that your posts or messages could become more widely accessible through screenshots or shares. A seemingly harmless comment or photo can easily be taken out of context and used against you.

Lawyers and attorneys need to exercise caution when posting about ongoing cases or discussing legal matters online, as doing so could potentially violate client confidentiality rules set forth by bar associations. These issues can also affect medical professionals, and doctors or nurses could be accused of violating patient confidentiality or acting unprofessionally.

Potential Licensing Board Concerns

Licensing boards have the responsibility of ensuring that professionals meet the ethical standards set for their respective industries. When it comes to social media use, licensing boards may review a person’s online presence during disciplinary investigations or license renewal proceedings if they receive complaints regarding the individual's conduct. Some examples of situations where social media use may be considered include:

• A nurse or other healthcare provider sharing confidential patient information on social media platforms may face disciplinary action by their licensing board for violating patient privacy laws.

• A lawyer making inappropriate or offensive comments online could be subject to discipline by their state bar association for violating the rules of professional conduct.

• An educator who is accused of engaging in cyberbullying or harassing behavior on social media may face consequences from their local school district and licensing board.

These are just a few examples highlighting the potential pitfalls of social media use in regulated professions. Each industry will have its own specific guidelines and regulations that professionals should familiarize themselves with to avoid disciplinary actions.

Protecting Your Professional License

If you hold a professional license, it is important to be mindful of how your social media activity can impact your career. To help protect your professional license, you should:

• Think before you post: Before sharing anything on social media, consider whether it aligns with the ethical standards and expectations set forth by your profession.

• Safeguard confidentiality: Never disclose any confidential or privileged information related to clients, patients, or ongoing cases on social media platforms.

• Become familiar with relevant regulations: Take the time to understand the guidelines provided by your licensing board regarding personal conduct and use of technology.

If you are facing an investigation or disciplinary action related to your online activity, it is crucial to seek legal representation immediately. An experienced attorney who represents clients in matters related to professional license defense can provide guidance tailored specifically to your situation and help protect your personal and professional interests throughout the process.

Contact Our Chicago Professional License Discipline Attorneys

If you hold a professional license in Illinois, and you are facing disciplinary action due to social media use, The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc. can provide the legal support and guidance you need. Our experienced Illinois professional license defense lawyers understand the complexities involved in these cases, and we will work tirelessly to protect your rights. Do not hesitate to contact us at 630-310-1267 to schedule a free consultation. 

Sources:

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/health/medical/nurses-ousted-after-tiktok-video-showed-them-complaining-about-maternity-patients/ar-AA15haz7

https://www.myamericannurse.com/social-media-nursing-license-risk/