How Off-Duty Use of Social Media May Lead to Professional Discipline

In February 2015, Nurse S. posted comments on social media that were critical of the care a relative received at a healthcare facility. The facility filed a complaint with the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses' Association (SRNA), and in October 2016, the Disciplinary Committee of the SRNA found that Nurse S. engaged in off-duty professional misconduct through social media. In a subsequent appeal by the nurse, the Saskatchewan Court of Queen's Bench upheld the SRNA decision. This article details this case and how "off-duty" use of social media is subject to discipline by regulatory bodies. It also examines how those regulators must assess and investigate these complaints in accordance with their governing legislation, code of ethics, rules, standards, and regulations.