Release of Patient Information

Gordon Hospital releases patient information according to guidelines set by HIPPA and the American Hospital Association. As such, it is important to understand the following information.

HIPAA Regulations

As of April 14, 2003, a new federal rule called the "Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act" (HIPAA) governs the use and disclosure of individually identifiable health information. HIPAA privacy standards have changed and limited hospitals' ability to release information about patients to the media.

In order to receive INFORMATION ABOUT A PATIENT, you must have the patient's name. No information may be given if a request does not include a specific patient's name or if the patient requests that the information not be released.

If you have the name of a patient, only a one-word condition can be released. If a patient agrees to do an interview or have further information released about them to the media, the Gordon Hospital Marketing/Public Relations department must have the patient sign a HIPAA authorization form.

Even if the patient is in the public domain, e.g. police reports, health care providers are prohibited to give out health information about patients outside of HIPAA guidelines.

Patient Interviews

Under NO circumstances should reporters make contact with patients while hospitalized at Gordon Hospital. It would help your efforts to have the PR Department request permission for release of information and/or help ease the patient into an interview situation. Patient rights and confidentiality are of the utmost concern. When patient courtesies are respected by the media, it makes cooperation at all levels much more efficient.

Inquiries Regarding Patient Conditions

Gordon Hospital's Public Relations office will be happy to verify a patient's name, age and one word condition. This information is not freely offered. If the patient has "opted out" of being included in the patient directory, the Public Relations office will have no record of the patient's admission and is prohibited from releasing any patient information.

Nature of the Accident or Injury

It is unlikely that the hospital will discuss the cause and nature of the accident or injury of the patient. This is an effort to protect the privacy of our patients.

Patient Conditions

Undeterminded: Patient is awaiting physician assessment.

Good: Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is consious and comfortable. Indicators are excellent.

Fair: Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious and comfortable. Indicators are favorable.

Serious: Vital signs may be unstable and not within normal limits. Patient may be unconscious. Indicators are questionable.

Critical: Vital signs are unstable and not within normal limits. Patient may be unconscious. Indicators are unfavorable.

Treated and Released: Received treatment, but not admitted.

Treated and Transferred: Received treatment. Transferred to a different facility which will not be disclosed.

Deaths and Time of Deaths will not be released by the hospital.