Subject: Social Media
Policy Number: 12
Effective Date: July 25, 2015
Required Element: 3E, 5D
Policy:
Online communication through social media and networking is a recognized form of daily communication. The Penn State Hazleton PTA Program has expectations for responsible and ethical behavior with this form of communication. These guideline are intended to protect the privacy, confidentiality and the reputation of patients, fellow students, faculty and staff, clinical educators, clinical sites, The Penn State Hazleton PTA Program and Pennsylvania State University.
The definition of social networking includes but is not limited to: Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat, Tik Tok, Flickr, Twitter, Weblogs, Texting, Instagram, online discussion forums/boards, or any other online applications allowing an individual to post or publish content on the internet.
Statement:
- Students may be held personally liable for proprietary, defamatory, libelous material posted on any form of social media.
- Students will face sanctions for posting material that is defamatory, profane, threatening, harassing, hateful or private information that is humiliating to patients and their families, students, hospital/clinical staff, clinical instructors, faculty, staff. Sanction will be determined by the University Office of Student Conduct depending on the nature of the offense.
- Occurrences of inappropriate use of social and electronic media may be submitted to the State Board of Physical Therapy which may affect licensure.
- The use of non-PSU email addresses or online identities can be investigated and traced, so their use does not protect the student from responsibility and any liabilities related to posting online materials or social media.
- Students are expected to follow clinical site policy regarding social media.
Procedure:
- The PTA Program will have zero tolerance for any violation of the social media policy and investigate every complaint.
- Violation of this policy, upon the first offense, will result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the PTA Program. These guidelines will apply to any new and/or emerging social media outlets.
- Online plagiarism applies. Proper references must be cited. Student must adhere to copyright protection laws.
- Students must not use social media during clinical hours or at any time on the clinical agency’s equipment or property.
- Clinical facility HIPAA policies must be adhered to by the student. Violation of these policies may result in legal action against the student. In addition, the student will fail the clinical rotation for violation of the HIPAA policy.
- Student must not use social media during classroom or laboratory times or post any related academic activities without consent of all individuals affected.
- PTA students must promptly report any known identifiable breach of confidentiality of privacy in regard to self, other PTA students, patients or clinical staff.
- The person who receives the report will notify the program coordinator of the PTA program to determine the appropriate actions in regards to the nature of the incident.
- The program coordinator may contact the Office of Student Conduct or the State Board of Physical Therapy when appropriate.
- The student is afforded due process as related to judicial or academic integrity sanctions according to University policies.
Revised 10/15, 5/2024