The Federation for State Medical Boards (FSMB) has released guidelines highlighting the appropriate use of social media for physicians and other health care professionals. Click here to view the guidelines. This document emphasizes the importance of understanding appropriate physician-patient relationships and defines key professional and ethical standards that should be followed throughout the medical profession.

According to a study conducted in 2011, 87 percent of physicians use social media for personal reasons and 67 percent use it professionally. These guidelines will address the concerns physicians have about social media, provide information about social media policy and demonstrate the potential that social networking creates for both physicians and their patients.

The NCMS understands the uncertainty that surrounds medical professionalism and social media. For that reason, the Society will continue to educate its members about this means of communication that continues to evolve.

Those who are interested in social media and implementing the appropriate social networking guidelines can follow the NCMS Facebook and Twitter for updates and additional NCMS information.  

Related NCMS Bulletin article:

Social Media Update: Maintaining Professionalism While Using Social Networks and E-mail (12-02-11)