Social Media Policy

Purpose

This policy explains how social media may and may not be used in relation to Villa Nova Medical Clinic. It protects your privacy, maintains professional boundaries, and ensures safe, appropriate communication between patients and clinic staff.

Please note:
Social media is not private, and it is not an appropriate place for medical questions, concerns, clinical communication, or complaints.

Do Not Contact Clinic Staff Through Social Media

Patients may not contact clinic staff or physicians through:

  • Facebook

  • Instagram

  • Twitter/X

  • TikTok

  • LinkedIn

  • Reddit

  • Any other social media platform

You may not:

  • Send direct messages to staff or physicians

  • Attempt to engage clinic staff through personal social media accounts

  • Comment on personal posts made by clinic staff

All communication must occur through approved clinic channels only.

No Medical Advice or Prescription Requests via Social Media

For your safety and confidentiality, the clinic will never:

  • Provide medical advice

  • Offer clinical opinions

  • Renew prescriptions

  • Book or change appointments

…through social media.

If you require medical assistance:

  • Book an appointment online

  • Call the clinic

  • Go to the Emergency Department for urgent concerns

Protecting Privacy — Yours and Ours

To protect privacy and ensure a safe environment:

  • Do not post or share photos, videos, or audio recordings taken inside the clinic.

  • Do not record staff, physicians, or other patients without written permission.

  • Do not post screenshots of messages, appointment details, or private communications.

Posting confidential or inappropriate content may result in:

  • Removal from the practice

  • Reporting to appropriate regulatory bodies

  • Legal consequences (if applicable)

How the Clinic Uses Social Media

Our clinic may use official channels to:

  • Share health education

  • Post clinic updates

  • Promote public health information

Our posts are for general information only — not individualized medical advice.

Complaints and Concerns

If you have concerns about your care:

➡️ Contact the clinic directly (phone or secure message)

Posting complaints on social media:

  • Does not help resolve issues

  • May harm the physician–patient relationship

  • May breach your own privacy

  • May result in removal from the practice if defamatory

The clinic will not respond to complaints posted on public platforms.

Summary

Social media is not a secure or appropriate channel for clinical communication.
All patient interactions must follow proper communication pathways to ensure safety, privacy, and professionalism.