Everyday Ethics: Can I Post Parents ’ Testimonials on My Practice Website?

In this new blog series, “Everyday Ethics,” Donna Euben, ASHA’s director of ethics, answers member questions about their ethical quandaries pertaining to ASHA’s Code of Ethics. Please email your questions to [e-mail].
I am an audiologist in private practice. If I use a client’s parents’ initials, I can post the parent testimonials, which I revised a bit, on my business website and social media accounts, right?
Social media can be an effective way to promote your services to the general public. However, just as with print media, we must be careful in meeting our ethical obligations when using digital and social media. These obligations include—but aren’t limited to—potential confidentiality breaches, misrepresentation, and the need for informed consent.
Consider the following before deciding to share client testimonials:

What, if any, permission did you receive from your client’s parents to use their testimonials? The parents may have initially signed a general release allowing you to use their comments about your services or their children’s likenesses. However, a blanket waiver might not cover the use of their initialed testimonials to promote your practice. Such a written document should probably have a beginning and end date—signed and dated by both parties—to get the most beneficial and transparent informed consent. This should cover most circumstances surrounding permissions, including your relationship with the family and ...

Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Press Releases - October 21, 2019 Category: Speech-Language Pathology Authors: Donna Euben Tags: Audiology Slider Speech-Language Pathology Source Type: blogs