Image Policy and Headshot Resources

BMC2 Image Policy

Protected Health Information (PHI) in Imagery

It is the responsibility of everyone participating in BMC2 to protect the health information of our patients. When arranging for a photo shoot, taking photographs, or sharing images in presentations or on social media, it is your responsibility to ensure images do not include PHI, including names on computer screens, on walls in patient rooms, on wristbands, etc. Even if a patient signs a consent form, do not allow patient registration numbers and birth dates to be visible to protect their personal information.

BMC2 takes our responsibilities of protecting our patients’ privacy very seriously. When filming or taking photos in patient care areas, consider not just whether a particular patient has signed a consent form, but what the photo shoot might feel like to those around you. Will other patients or families in the area be concerned about photography taking place? When sharing images in a presentation consider how colleagues, patients, and patient families may feel about the image being shared.

NOTE: Even if a patient is not identifiable, their expressed consent should still be obtained prior to the images being taken. Written consent is required for the disclosure of patient images, even if the patient cannot be identified. This is a requirement under The Joint Commission (TJC) standards. The TJC standards are more restrictive than HIPAA. TJC Standards do not make any distinction between identifiable and de-identified photographs and/or recordings of patients.

Social Media

Photos taken in an operating room, patient rooms, or patient care areas may not be posted to social media. Photos with visible blood or wounds may not be posted to social media.

When posting cases on social media, do not post other information that could be helpful in identifying the patient. The age of the patient may not be included. Reference to the timing may not be included. Without patient consent, no cases/patients may be posted within a month of completion.

Headshots

Headshots for official BMC2/MISHC/MiCR use including website profiles, Zoom/Teams profiles, meeting agendas, speaking engagements, etc. must:

not be AI-generated
only be minimally retouched/enhanced (Light skin smoothing, blemish removal, etc. okay. No heavy filters.)
meet minimum size requirements - largest dimension a minimum of 6 inches/1800 pixels at 300 dpi

Coordinating Center Team Headshot Resources