Media Release of Information and Critical Event Notification Policy

Guidelines for giving information to the press and radio are as follows:

Inquires must contain the patient’s name-unless the inquiry comes from clergy

-Information about the condition and location of an inpatient, outpatient or may be released only if the inquiry specifically contains the patient’s name.

-Inquires from the clergy are an exception so long as the patient has not told MHP not to release the information.

-As long as the patient has not requested that information be withheld, MHP will release the patient’s one-word condition and location without obtaining prior patient authorization.

-For the one-word condition, the terms “undetermined,” “good,” “fair,” “serious” or “critical” will be used. See the Definitions of Patient Conditions (Attachment A) for a description of each one-word condition . 

Media Access to Patients: The following activities require a written authorization from patient:

- Drafting a detailed statement (i.e., anything beyond the one-word condition) for approval by the patient or the patient’s legal representative

- Taking photographs of patients

- Interviewing patients

- In general, if the patient is a minor, permission for any of these activities must be obtained from a parent or guardian.

 

When MHP will not release any information:

-Patients can “opt out” of providing information altogether.

-MHP does not release information on Emergency Room patients.

-MHP does not release information that could embarrass or endanger patients.

-Federal laws prohibit hospitals from releasing any information regarding a patient being treated for alcohol or substance abuse.

-Judgment, by a MHP employee, will be used in situations where patients can’t express a preference.

 

Matters of public record

-While laws and/or regulations require health care facilities to provide a variety of information to public authorities, it is not the responsibility of facilities to provide that information in response to calls or other inquiries from the media or other parties, including law enforcement officials. Instead, such calls should be directed to the appropriate public authority.

-The fact that a hospital has an obligation to report certain confidential information to a governmental agency does not make that information public and available to the media.

-Refer media questions to the public entity (such as the coroner’s office, police, fire or health department) that receives such reports.

 

Attachment A

Definitions of Patient Conditions

Undetermined: Patient awaiting physician and assessment

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.

The term “stable” will not be used as a condition.