Student Complaint Policy

• Student Complaints and Grievances
• Social Media Policy
• Emergency Preparedness & Inclement Weather Policy

Student Complaints and Grievances

Approved: 09-18-2020

1. Policy - All students in the School of Medicine (SOM) at LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport have the right to express a complaint/grievance on academic or non-academic issues. Students must demonstrate evidence of error, miscalculation, omission, or other action negatively impacting the student. Students are expected to follow established procedural guidelines for academic and/or non-academic complaints or issues.
2. Purpose - The purpose of the complaint/grievance process is to provide students with an opportunity for fair and objective consideration and review of their issue.
3. Scope - This policy applies to all School of Medicine students.
4. Procedure/Process -

School of Medicine Social Media Policy

1. Policy - Each student is responsible for his or her postings on the Internet and in all varieties of social media. In all communications, students are expected to be courteous, respectful, and considerate of others. Inappropriate postings on the Internet or social media will be considered lapses in the standards of professionalism expected of LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport (LSUHSC-S) students. Students responsible for such postings are subject to the disciplinary process in the same manner as for any other unprofessional behavior that occurs outside the academic setting. Students who do not follow these expectations may face disciplinary actions including dismissal from the LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport.
2. Purpose - The purpose of this policy is to outline students’ responsibilities while utilizing social media.
3. Scope - This policy applies to all School of Medicine students.
4. Procedure/Process -

• There is no such thing as an “anonymous” post. Furthermore, any posts or comments submitted for others to read should be posted with full identification of the writer. Where your connection to LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport is apparent, make it clear that you are speaking for yourself and not on behalf of LSUHSC-S. A disclaimer, such as, “The views expressed on this [blog; website] are my own and do not reflect the views of my University or the School of Allied Health Professions/School of Graduate Studies/School of Medicine” are required.
• Internet activities may be permanently linked to the author, such that all future employment may be hampered by inappropriate behavior on the Internet
• Making postings “private” does not preclude others copying and pasting comments on public websites. “Private” postings that become public are still subject to sanctions described in the School’s Conduct Code.
• Do not share information in a way that may violate any laws or regulations (e.g, HIPAA). Disclosing information about patients without written permission of the patient and the LSUHSC-S administration, including photographs or potentially identifiable information is strictly prohibited.  This rule also applies to deceased patients.
• For LSUHSC-S’ protection as well as your own, it is critical that you show proper respect for the laws governing intellectual property, copyright and fair use of copyrighted material owned by others, including LSUHSC-S’ own copyrights and brands. Curricular materials developed by LSUHSC-S faculty and staff or faculty/staff of other medical schools or educational institutions should not be distributed or redistributed. When in doubt, students should seek guidance regarding appropriate use of such materials.
• Do not share confidential or proprietary information that may compromise LSUHSC-S’ research efforts, business practices or security.

In all situations, including on social media sites, members of the medical profession should always represent him/herself in a manner that reflects values of professionalism, accountability, integrity, honor, acceptance of diversity, and commitment to ethical behavior.

For purposes of these guidelines, “social media” includes Internet and mobile­-based applications that are built on user­-generated shared content. Social networks ­ including, but not limited to, blogging, microblogging (e.g., Twitter), networking sites (e.g., Facebook, LinkedIn), podcasts and video sites (e.g., Flickr, YouTube) - offer opportunities for communication, information/experience sharing, collaborative learning, professional interactions and outreach.

• Be professional. As medical students and physicians, we should represent our profession well. Adhere to rules of ethical and professional conduct at all times.
• Be responsible. Carefully consider content and exercise good judgment as anything you post can have immediate and/or long-term consequences and carry the potential for significant public impact and viral spread of content. Therefore, all statements must be true and not misleading. Make sure that you differentiate opinions from facts.
• Maintain separation. Avoid interacting with current or past patients through social media, and avoid requests to give medical advice through social media.
• Be transparent/use disclaimers. Disclose yourself and provide an appropriate disclaimer that distinguishes your views from those of the clinic, hospital system and/or University with which you are associated (while at the same time, being careful not to violate any social media policy to which you may be subject by such organizations). Without specific direction from the appropriate personnel, you may not present yourself as an official representative or spokesperson for said organizations. Also, be sure to reveal any conflicts of interest and be honest about your credentials as a medical student or physician (resident or otherwise).
• Be respectful. Do not use defamatory, vulgar, libelous and potentially inflammatory language and do not display language or photographs that imply disrespect for any individual or group because of age, race, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, marital status, genetic information, military status, or any other protected characterization or group.
• Follow copyright laws. Comply with copyright laws. Make sure you have the right to use material before publishing.
• Protect client/patient information. Do not discuss confidential information and follow standards of patient privacy and confidentiality and regulations outlined in Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA, 20 U.S.C. § 1232g). Remember you could personally face a HIPAA violation if there are enough details in the post for patients to recognize themselves.
• Avoid politics. Political endorsements or advocacy positions should generally be avoided.
• Comply with all legal restrictions and obligations. Remember use of social networking sites or weblogs can carry legal and professional ramifications. Comments made in an unprofessional manner can be used in legal, professional, or other disciplinary proceedings (i.e., hearings before a State Medical Licensing Board).
• Be aware of risks to privacy and security. Read the site’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Be cognizant of continuous changes in these sites and closely monitor the privacy settings of the social network accounts to optimize your privacy and security.

School of Medicine Emergency Preparedness & Inclement Weather Policy

1. Policy - 
   Pre-Clerkship Phase
   The administration at LSUHSC-S decides when the campus is closed due to inclement weather. If LSUHSC-S School of Medicine is closed or delayed in opening for inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, in person pre-clerkship courses will be cancelled and will resume when the campus officially reopens. Students should receive instructions from the course directors if online assignments are created to replace in person didactics.
   The LSUHSC-S Alert system will serve to notify faculty, students and staff of such events. Course directors, in conjunction with the Office of Academic Affairs, will notify students about plans to reschedule any missed sessions and assessments due to the closure or delay.
   Clinical Phase
   In the event that the school is closed, faculty and students with clinical responsibilities are professionally obligated to provide that care even during inclement weather. Students with clinical duties should report to their assigned site regardless of the Medical School closures or delays provided traveling would not place the student at serious risk of injury. Students should consult with their resident and physician supervisors to determine the risks/benefits involving travel during these periods.
   If a student is on an outpatient service, on an elective rotation, or at a non-LSUHSC site, the student should confirm that the site is functioning before reporting for duty. If LSUHSC-S is open and a student is unable to report to their assigned site, the student may be required to make up the missed time. If LSUHSC-S is closed, students will not be required to make up missed time.
2. Purpose - The purpose of this policy is to outline how the institution/supervisors will contact students concerning emergency preparedness and inclement weather.
3. Scope - This policy applies to all School of Medicine students.
4. Procedure/Process -