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Responding to Negative Online Reviews

By Adrienne Hersh, JD, ICS Legal Counsel · June 7, 20236 min read

Person typing on a computer — Responding to Negative Online Reviews

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On June 5, 2023, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued yet another announcement of a settlement with a healthcare provider who violated HIPAA privacy rules by responding to negative online reviews. The violation cost Manasa Health Center $30,000 and additional stringent requirements under a corrective action plan.

The proliferation of rating websites and social media makes it very likely that most doctors, even those with a limited internet presence, will be listed on some rating sites. Providers must navigate a fine line between protecting themselves against unfair criticism and protecting patient confidentiality.

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About the Author

Adrienne Hersh, JD, ICS Legal Counsel

Adrienne serves as Illinois Chiropractic Society general counsel and provides legal advice and support on a wide range of legal issues affecting chiropractic physicians, including licensing and other health care regulations, scope of practice, insurance and reimbursement, business structuring, labor and employment, contracts, and litigation. Adrienne previously served for 8 years as general counsel to the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation (now the Division of Professional Regulation, Department of Financial and Professional Regulation), where she was chief legal counsel responsible for overseeing all legal issues and advising the 50+ licensing and disciplinary boards, including the Medical Disciplinary Board and the Medical Licensing Board. She is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association Health Care Section, the Illinois Association of Healthcare Attorneys, and the National Association of Chiropractic Attorneys.