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Registered Medical Practitioners (RMPs) should follow SOCIAL MEDIA ETHICS: NMC

Fundamental Guidelines:

(1) The ethical framework of medical practice should underpin RMPs' engagement on social media.

(2) RMPs must differentiate between telemedicine consultations and interactions on social media platforms.

(3) All forms of written and visual communication must uphold truthfulness, respect, and professionalism.

Conduct Guidelines:

• Registered Medical Practitioners (RMPs) are permitted to share information and announcements on social media, provided that the information is factual, verifiable, and free from any misleading or deceptive content. Additionally, RMPs must avoid exploiting the vulnerability or lack of knowledge of patients.
• RMPs are advised against discussing patient treatments or prescribing medications on public social media platforms. Should a patient seek medical advice through public social media, RMPs should guide them toward either a telemedicine consultation or an in-person visit, based on the specific circumstances.
• Posting patients' photographs or medical images (such as CT/PET scans) on social media platforms is discouraged for RMPs. It's important to note that once such content is shared on social media, it becomes the property of the social media company or the general public.
• RMPs should adhere to the principles of medical ethics when interacting with colleagues on social media, maintaining a professional demeanor and conduct.
• Engaging in practices such as purchasing "likes," "followers," or utilizing algorithms to artificially boost online presence, or subscribing to apps that charge fees for higher ratings, is deemed inappropriate for RMPs. Similarly, soliciting patients through such means is unacceptable.
• RMPs should refrain from seeking or sharing patient testimonials, endorsements, recommendations, or reviews on social media platforms.
• Under no circumstances should RMPs share images of healed/cured patients or videos/images showcasing surgical procedures or impressive medical outcomes.
• RMPs are permitted to share educational content for the general public's information. However, the scope of communication should align with the RMP's expertise.
• The guidelines applicable to RMPs' social media activities should also extend to their webpages.
• RMPs are expected to maintain dignity and decorum while using social media, refraining from engaging in boundary crossings or violations.
• Engaging in direct or indirect solicitation of patients through social media is considered unethical for RMPs.

​NATIONAL MEDICAL COMMISSION

ETHICS AND MEDICAL REGISTRATION BOARD

NOTIFICATION

New Delhi,dated 2nd August, 2023

https://doctorsportal.in/protocol-details/national-medical-commission-registered-medical-practitioner-professional-conduct-regulations-2023/General

https://www.nmc.org.in/rules-regulations/national-medical-commission-registered-medical-practitioner-professional-conduct-regulations-2023-reg/