Agreement to Ensure Client/Patient Privacy and Prevent Internet Bullying
I, the undersigned, understand that although HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) privacy policies do not apply to veterinary patients, there are Indiana state regulatory statutes which require express written permission from a client to discuss or disclose an animal’s veterinary medical record with certain exception related to threat toward human health. I understand I may not post photos of animals which are not owned by me, nor discuss any observed animal not owned by me, nor post to social media nor correspond nor discuss verbally with a third party regarding any identified animal not owned by me nor any client I have observed in Highland Veterinary Clinic’s facility, without express written permission from said client. This rule does not prevent me from documenting my educational experience or school projects in the clinic for online submission to an academic institution as long as no veterinary patients and clients are not identified by full/last name or client contact.
I agree that internet reviews are intended serve as a constructive platform to help promote excellent services, provide accurate recommendations, or improve processes which help pet owners or animal patients to receive quality veterinary services. However, I also understand and agree that Highland Veterinary Clinic’s practice owners, employees, and affiliates deserve a safe space to work with the public, veterinary clients, and to serve animals. I agree, therefore, to extend the same courtesy that Highland Veterinary Clinic extends to pet owners and will not post, nor encourage the posting of any defamatory, derogatory, threatening, nor disparaging comments, or statements about Highland Veterinary Clinic or any of its affiliates on any social media or digital platform.
If after consulting with my veterinary nursing mentor, veterinarian mentor or practice manager, and any of Highland Veterinary Clinic’s practice/business owners in an attempt to resolve any issues I may have with any client services, veterinary services, or animal care that I have provided or received at Highland Veterinary Clinic, or through its affiliates, I or an agent on my behalf still chooses to post defamatory, derogatory, threatening, or disparaging comments or statements, I waive my right to require a written release of my activities and disclosure of my performance at Highland Veterinary Clinic.
I agree that I allow any and all statements or recorded veterinary activity about my interaction with members of the staff and veterinarians, my animal(s) care and condition, at Highland Veterinary Clinic to become public or released for response within the context of said internet communications or reviews for public comment, or for legal action against me by Highland Veterinary Clinic, without any relief whatever from Indiana Veterinary Practice laws. I further understand that I will be held responsible for any/all legal ramifications stemming from my postings or internet activity regarding Highland Veterinary Clinic and it's activities with veterinary patients including, but not limited to all legal fees incurred.