Patient Information

Policy on release of patient information

Protecting the privacy and confidentiality of patients and information related to their cases is becoming an increasingly important responsibility of hospitals and healthcare facilities. The Department of Health and Human Services issued its final ruling on medical privacy pursuant to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). In this ruling, specifics about what may and may not be released without written patient consent are outlined. Please be aware that healthcare facilities also must comply with state laws in addition to federal laws regarding patient privacy and confidentiality.

What can be released?

Only certain information can be released to media by a member of Public Relations staff without a patient’s permission.

Any public or non-confidential information falls into this category. Cases of public record are those cases reportable by law to public authorities (police, coroner, public health officer).

Any additional information, including requests for interviews, can only be released or accommodated with written consent from the patient (or a legal guardian if the patient is a minor), as well as approval from the patient’s physician.

Questions about patients who are in custody of law enforcement will be referred to the agency which has custody.