Some Florida doctors are now requiring patients to sign a document promising not to post Internet comments about them without permission, according to Florida Health News. Patients who sign the Mutual Agreement to Maintain Privacy document promise they “will not denigrate, defame, disparage or cast aspersions upon” the doctor and will do all in their power to prevent friends or family members from doing so. The ban applies whether the patients identify themselves or remain anonymous.

This is a blatantly transparent attempt to prevent patients from posting negative comments about their doctor, and it is likely unenforceable because of the restriction on freedom of speech. Notably, the document does not prohibit patients from posting positive comments about their physician. The message: If you are happy with my care, tell the world. If not, you cannot tell a soul.

It also represents yet another attempt by the medical community to avoid accountability for their actions. In the legislature, they have sought immunity from suit; and now, in the office, doctors are conditioning treatment upon patients waiving their constitutional right to speak out when they receive poor medical care.

Physicians would be better served by communicating more thoroughly and directly with their patients to ensure overall satisfaction and quell any discontent rather than including in these types of gag orders with their new patient forms.

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