The key to a successful "no photo zone rule" in a physician practice is allowing no exceptions, according to an American Medical News report.
However, while it is sensible to prohibit taking pictures inside a practice, banning smartphones altogether is not recommended, according to attorney Andrew Blustein, a partner with Garfunkel Wild in New York. When patients are sitting in waiting rooms, for example, the wait will seem shorter if they can use phone to access the internet, watch videos and check emails. Preventing them from doing so may alienate or anger them, or create a sense of anxiety for patients who are nervous, said Mr. Blustein.
Because patients cannot be monitored at every moment, the practice must also think about other potential dangers, such as unattended files or unlocked computers in exam rooms, where patients could snap screen shots while they wait, said Mr. Blustein. These are HIPAA-based guidelines that should be followed regardless of any photography rule, he said.
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However, while it is sensible to prohibit taking pictures inside a practice, banning smartphones altogether is not recommended, according to attorney Andrew Blustein, a partner with Garfunkel Wild in New York. When patients are sitting in waiting rooms, for example, the wait will seem shorter if they can use phone to access the internet, watch videos and check emails. Preventing them from doing so may alienate or anger them, or create a sense of anxiety for patients who are nervous, said Mr. Blustein.
Because patients cannot be monitored at every moment, the practice must also think about other potential dangers, such as unattended files or unlocked computers in exam rooms, where patients could snap screen shots while they wait, said Mr. Blustein. These are HIPAA-based guidelines that should be followed regardless of any photography rule, he said.
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