Peck Ritchey, LLC > Elder Law Blog > Elder Abuse > Social media photos pose privacy violation threat to care facility patients

On December 21, 2015, the Chicago Tribune posted an article about the rampant abuse of nursing home patients that is taking place on a digital canvas. According to ProPublica, there were at least 35 cases of nursing home and care facility workers posting embarrassing photos of elderly patients since 2012.

Aside from being especially heinous and despicable, the posting of these pictures and videos violates the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Ace as well as the patients’ right to privacy. While there are cases in which the posting of such photos led to criminal charges, there are also instances where aggressors were not held accountable for their actions.

These instances may predict an upsetting future threat of social media to patients’ safety and privacy if they are continually humiliated by staff members who should be trustworthy and compassionate. Abuse is by no means a new phenomenon in nursing home facilities, but social media shaming is a new animal when it comes to assisted living and elderly care homes.

If your loved one has suffered from any form of mistreatment or abuse in a Chicago nursing home, do not hesitate to contact an aggressive lawyer at Peck Ritchey, LLC who will pursue charges against the abuser to the fullest extent of the law. Call us at (312) 201-0900 today to let us begin seeking justice for your family.

Categories: Elder Abuse

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