Patient Privacy and Confidentiality
Protecting the privacy of our patients is a core responsibility.
We follow all applicable privacy laws and regulations, including HIPAA. As a result, there may be times when we are unable to share specific details about an individual's care or circumstances.
We appreciate your understanding and will always provide as much information as possible within those guidelines.
Patient Condition Requests
Consistent with our patient privacy practices, Public Relations may provide a one-word patient condition when permitted by the patient or their legal representative.
To request a patient condition, please contact us and provide the patient's full name.
Please note:
- A patient's full name is required before a condition request can be considered.
- If a patient has chosen not to share information or we are otherwise unable to release a condition, we cannot confirm whether that individual is a patient at one of our facilities.
- We do not provide condition reports for victims of violent crimes, including shootings, stabbings, assaults, sexual assaults or child abuse cases.
If a condition can be shared, it will be communicated using one of the following standard terms:
- Good — Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious and comfortable. Indicators are excellent.
- Fair — Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious but may be uncomfortable. Indicators are favorable.
- Serious — Vital signs may be unstable and not within normal limits. Patient is acutely ill. Indicators are questionable.
- Critical — Vital signs are unstable and not within normal limits. Patient may be unconscious. Indicators are unfavorable.
On-Site Requests
To support the safety and privacy of our patients, visitors and care teams:
- Media must check in through Public Relations before arriving on site.
- Unscheduled visits will not be accommodated.
- Filming, photography or interviews may not take place without prior approval.
We will work with you to arrange access that supports your reporting while respecting the privacy, safety and care environment of our facilities.