Use of Social Media Sites Policy and Procedure

We appreciate our employees sharing posts from our community Facebook page and being information ambassadors, but please be mindful when you post your opinion and always remember to use your I CARE values.

This policy describes Houston Methodist’s approach to the appropriate use of social media and other third party websites. You can view the full policy here, however, below are highlights from the policy to keep in mind when posting to your personal social media accounts.

Social Media Postings

Individuals or groups employed by or associated with Houston Methodist are not permitted to present personal opinions that in any way imply endorsement by Houston Methodist.

If posted material may be reasonably construed as implying, directly or indirectly, the support, endorsement, or opposition of Houston Methodist with regard to any personal statements, including personal opinions or views on any issue, the material must be accompanied by a disclaimer such as:

If word count limits allow:

• “The postings on this site are my own and do not represent Houston Methodist Hospital System’s positions, strategies, or opinions.”
• “I work at Houston Methodist (or particular work unit, department, division of Houston Methodist), but the opinions (or views) expressed here are solely my personal opinion (or views).”
• “I am not speaking as the official spokesperson for Houston Methodist, but my personal opinion is …”
• For Twitter or similar platforms with restrictive word count allowances:
• “Tweets my own,” “Views my own,” or “#myopinion.”
• For personal Web sites:

“This is a personal Web site, produced on my own time and solely reflecting my personal opinions.  Statements on this site do not represent the views or policy of my employer, past or present, or any other organization with which I may be affiliated.”

Remember the I CARE Values

Employees should consider whether anything they post on the Internet is in accordance with the I CARE values at Houston Methodist as well as the conduct expectations of all Houston Methodist employees, contractors, and volunteers.

(1) Employees should avoid damaging the image and integrity of Houston Methodist.

(2) Any harassment, bullying, discrimination, or retaliation that would not be permissible in the workplace is not permissible between employees on-line, even if it is done after hours, from home, or on personal electronic devices.

(3) Always strive to be fair and courteous, avoid posting Content that reasonably could be viewed as malicious, obscene, threatening or intimidating, or that disparages our patients, employees, visitors, vendors, or business associates. Examples of such conduct might include offensive posts meant to:

(a) Intentionally harm someone’s reputation; or

(b) Posts that could contribute to a hostile work environment on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, or any other status protected by law or company policy.