You want to post a photo with a resident online. What is required?

Posting a photo of a resident online requires obtaining permission from both the resident and the facility due to legal and ethical guidelines surrounding privacy and confidentiality in healthcare settings.

The resident’s permission is necessary because they have the right to control how their likeness and personal information are shared with others. Consent ensures that they are comfortable with their image being displayed publicly and that they understand the potential implications of such sharing.

Additionally, the facility's permission is crucial because it encompasses policies that are put in place to protect the privacy of all residents. Facilities often have guidelines regarding media releases and the public sharing of information that helps ensure compliance with health regulations, such as HIPAA in the United States.

This dual requirement protects not just the individual resident’s rights but also the facility’s legal obligations and reputation, emphasizing the importance of respecting both personal and institutional boundaries when it comes to sharing information and images of residents.