Topic > Three Key Legal Issues for Hospital Marketing Programs

With the advent of the “social media generation,” where every aspect of society can access and participate in this platform, industries, including hospitals in the United States , are looking into social media to actively interact and engage with their customers. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay I agree with the main legal issues presented in the article. The first is the issue of patient anonymity. I agree that the presentation of patients and patient testimonials for advertising should be strictly confidential. In the United States, they have this data privacy legislation called HIPPA or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. This law has security provisions to safeguard medical information, the same as the data privacy law we have here in the Philippines . Social media and the Internet can spread and disseminate information very quickly, after that with just one click the information is sent to thousands or millions of social media users. It is also important to me that the patient is formally asked for consent to appear in any advertising and informed of the confidentiality of such advertising. The second legal question concerns the validity of the declaration. This is false advertising or the publication of advertising information about a hospital or doctor that is far from the truth. False advertising deceives people. The medical profession is seen as a profession in which people entrust their lives and bodies. So, a false claim can undermine the integrity of the hospital or doctor, and legal problems could arise later. The third problem is the correct allocation of advertising costs to avoid legal implications regarding the Antikickback law and the Stark law. While reading this article, it was the first time I read about the Anti-Kickback Law and Stark Law in the United States. I think these laws should be adopted in the Philippines. The Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) prohibits offering, paying, soliciting, or receiving anything of value to induce or reward referrals. The Stark Law on the other hand prohibits physicians from referring patients to receive "designated health services" payable by Medicare or Medicaid from entities with which the physician or an immediate family member has a financial relationship, subject to exceptions. These laws will impose penalties on doctors and hospitals who may violate them. I agree with the article that if a hospital advertises for doctors, then doctors should pay a portion of the cost of advertising to avoid being penalized for receiving a kickback. Hospitals and healthcare are big business and it behooves the government to institute enforcement measures, guidelines and laws to ensure that no patients' rights are violated, there is fair play in the field of business. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper now from our expert writers. Get a Custom Essay Given the size of social media's reach and audience, there is no doubt that hospitals and the healthcare industry use it to advertise. The power of the social media platform cannot be denied as it provides unprecedented access to a large audience and customers. It should be used wisely, cautiously and always putting the patient's well-being and confidentiality first.