Which practice demonstrates appropriate professional boundaries on social media?

• A. Separating personal and professional accounts and avoiding sharing identifiable patient information.
• B. Posting patient photos to celebrate cases.
• C. Accepting friend requests from patients.
• D. Using unverified medical information in public posts

Answer: (A)

Maintaining professional boundaries on social media means protecting patient privacy and keeping personal and professional lives separate. The best approach is to separate personal and professional accounts and avoid sharing identifiable patient information. By keeping these accounts distinct, you reduce the risk of exposing patient details or blurring the line between your professional role and your personal life. It also helps maintain trust and meets ethical and legal expectations for confidentiality.

Sharing patient photos to celebrate cases would disclose identity or sensitive information without appropriate consent. Accepting friend requests from patients blurs the professional relationship and can create conflicts of interest or dual duties. Using unverified medical information in public posts risks spreading misinformation and could harm patients and undermine professional credibility.