When using patient photos in a presentation, what must you secure?

Securing the patient's written permission to use their photos is essential because it ensures compliance with privacy laws and ethical standards, particularly in healthcare settings. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) mandates that healthcare professionals protect patient information, including images that can identify an individual. By obtaining written consent, a practitioner respects the patient’s autonomy and confidentiality, ensuring that they are comfortable with how their images will be used and presented.

This practice also promotes trust between the patient and the practitioner, as it demonstrates a commitment to the patient's rights and privacy. Furthermore, securing consent can also protect the practitioner legally in case of disputes regarding the use of patient images.

Other considerations, like covering the eyes of the patient or obtaining a physician's permission, do not fully address the ethical and legal necessity of direct consent from the patient. Likewise, including patient names could violate privacy standards, making it crucial to prioritize the patient's written permission as the key requirement in utilizing patient photos for presentations.