SOCIAL MEDIA
It seems that Internet use is changing faster than we have time to think about regulations and policies for business usage. A Monitor needs to put thought into whether or not they want to post on Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, Instagram, message boards, blogs and all new social network sites. These are social networks that are on a web site that allows you to authorize friends to share information with. There are numerous pitfalls that you should be aware of before adding providers onto your Social Networks sites.
(Please refer to Fact Sheets that address Balance of Authority)
Keeping a Balance of Authority can be difficult, however when you allow a Provider to be a friend on a social network, you are changing the status of your relationship.
For example: You go out with friends on a weekend night to unwind and post pictures of you and friends drinking with wine and beer bottles on the table.
When Provider's see this post, are you sending them the professional image you want to portray.
In your job it is important to always be culturally sensitive. Something that is posted as a joke could be misunderstood and could ruin your reputation and credibility if viewed by a Provider.
When befriending a Provider, you are now putting the Provider in a position to know and comment on personal things in your life and theirs. You may be opening up yourself to ethical issues and an altered relationship. Therefore, when Providers ask to "friend" you, it is always a good idea to decline.
In the social network, you have the opportunity to befriend 'friends of friends'. You should never befriend someone that you do not know. If you use social networking as a way to keep in touch with close friends and relatives, then keep your friends restricted to that group.
Ultimately you want a relationship based on trust with your Providers. You may inadvertently hurt a Provider and destroy trust and respect they had for you.
For Example: At the end of a particularly bad day you post on a Social Network site, "Today has been a hard day; everyone seemed to be in bad moods. I'm glad today is over." One of your Providers you visited today may read this and feel it is directed against her. Your relationship could become strained and uncomfortable in the future as the Provider may be afraid of what else you may post about them.
Befriending a Provider on a social media site could lead to ethical dilemmas. You may see a Provider post something that could be a violation of their contract or license.
For example: A client posts a comment on a restaurant she went to for lunch with friends. Mentioning she left the daycare children with her mother. You know her mother is not a licensed assistant. You are now in a position that you are no longer a 'friend' but a professional Monitor with a responsibility to ensure licensing regulations are always enforced.
Your personal phone number, address, or private information, such as your date of birth should never be posted on these sites. Never post the times you are going to be away from your home, especially when you are going on a vacation. Remember what you post on the Internet becomes public domain.
Technology can be a wonderful tool to connect you to your office, friends, family, and clients. Technology can save you time and manage your paperwork in a more proficient manner. As you explore and try out these new products, systems and apps, remember, you need to vigilant in protecting your privacy, your Provider's privacy, and especially in maintaining your Balance of Authority.