With smart phones, taking photos and video recordings has never been easier. Because of this, all Cooper employees should be mindful of health system policies regarding the taking of photographs (1.208 – Photographing Patients and 6.302 – Video Production Prior to Patient Consent) to ensure patient privacy at all times. This includes getting properly signed consents from patients and visitors prior to any photography for official purposes, and protecting patients and visitors from being inadvertently captured in pictures/videos even if they are not the intended subject matter.
Before you take any pictures, be sure that protected health information (patient names and other identifiers) are NOT visible on medical records, computer screens, or other documents that may be in the shot. While patients and visitors are not prohibited from taking personal photographs and videos of their own, they are not permitted to photograph in some procedural areas nor are they permitted to photo other patients, visitors, or staff without their permission. Members of the media or photographers hired for professional purposes must always be accompanied by a member of the Communications and Marketing Department.
Please review these policies. If you have any questions, please contact Wendy Marano, Public Relations Manager, at 856.382.6463 or email at marano-wendy@cooperhealth.edu.