SOP's online for general public? Stories wanted

[livewiremaxx]

I am looking for any stories, news articles or experiences in where departments have had their SOP's posted on their website for general public to view, and its worked against the department. Our Fire Commissioners want our SOP's for everyone to see, and I feel its not a great choice and could open us up to liability. So looking for some stories, or cases where its worked against a department to present to them in rebuttal. Thanks

 

[mycrofft]

Well...

Our County EMS dept has their standards posted, sort of like SOP's.
We once had a Director of Nurses who "classsified" our nuring standardized procedures (SNP's) because of a beef the union had over them. She wanted to deny them a chance to see them. Stupid.

PS: We certainly did not publish those SNP's where inmates or their families could get hold of them, to use as bases for argument or lawsuit, or to find loopholes.

 

[karaya]

I am looking for any stories, news articles or experiences in where departments have had their SOP's posted on their website for general public to view, and its worked against the department. Our Fire Commissioners want our SOP's for everyone to see, and I feel its not a great choice and could open us up to liability. So looking for some stories, or cases where its worked against a department to present to them in rebuttal. Thanks

So what's there to hide by not posting the SOP's? What liability? One where someone screws up by not following SOP? I doubt you will find much on this subject; furthermore, written SOP's (ones that do not disclose security issues, etc.) with many public agencies is a matter of public record.

 

[medicdan]

So what's there to hide by not posting the SOP's? What liability? One where someone screws up by not following SOP? I doubt you will find much on this subject; furthermore, written SOP's (ones that do not disclose security issues, etc.) with many public agencies is a matter of public record.

I agree, and understand, but see a difference between making the documents available upon request (or FOIA request), and posting a PDF on the company website...

 

[EMSLaw]

I agree, and understand, but see a difference between making the documents available upon request (or FOIA request), and posting a PDF on the company website...

Why do you see a difference? The information will be disclosed just the same, you are just creating additional expense for the person who wants them - expense that, incidentally, might be shifted back onto your employer, depending on the nature of your state's open records laws and how obstinate you are about not turning the records over.

 

[mycrofft]

Difference is ease of access, practically speaking.

If it is open listed on Internet, anyone can get it spur of the moment, maybe even while intoxicated or in grief or anger over a loss, and start to hatch some sort of plan. Most folks will not go through with a FOIA pursuit unless theer is a really good reason.

Not good factors, obviously, but speaking practically.

 

[LondonMedic]

If it is open listed on Internet, anyone can get it spur of the moment, maybe even while intoxicated or in grief or anger over a loss, and start to hatch some sort of plan. Most folks will not go through with a FOIA pursuit unless theer is a really good reason.

Not good factors, obviously, but speaking practically.

And what?

If you are concerned that patients or their families might get upset if they find that they are not treated according to your SOPs, there is a simple solution...

Eitherway, as I see it, if punters are going to complain seriously they are going to do so regardless of whether or not they have evidence. If they have not been treated properly that will come out, regardless of whether or not they were treated in accordance with your SOPs or not.