Drinker Biddle Social Media & Health Care Program Reported in BNA’s Health Law Reporter

A program presented by Milwaukee partner Robyn Shapiro and Chicago partners Darren Cahr, Jennifer Breuer, Stephanie Dodge Gournis was written-up in BNA’s Health Law Reporter.

The presentation, titled, "Social Media & Healthcare:  Opportunities and Risks" took place on Thursday, January 31, 2013 at the Chicago office. The program was presented in collaboration with the ABA Special Committee on Bioethics and the Law, of which Robyn is Chair.

The Health Law Reporter notes Darren’s warning that while social media channels may present hospitals with outstanding opportunities to communicate with the public, they also present a mountain of potential legal liabilities. He discussed, in particular, how too few hospitals and medical practices have taken the time to examine social media's role in their institution's overall mission and risk management strategy. He stressed that hospitals cannot get a handle on the legal aspects until they first engage in some systematic introspection and processed to understand their ownable distinction.

The article also notes Jen’s discussion of potential legal risks that could result from a health institution's improper uses of social media tools, especially the potential disclosure of personal health information in violation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

To read the entire article, click the link below.