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HIPAA and the Media

The 2003 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) legislation made drastic changes in the way patient information is communicated to the media. Because of this legislation, the media is required to have the full and accurate name of the patient in order to receive a condition.

Advance notice is also required for all on-site interviews so that a member of the Public Relations Department can arrange interviews with specialists, or obtain appropriate patient permission if necessary.

In compliance with federal patient privacy standards for all hospital patients and their families, a staff member from the Public Relations Department must accompany all reporters and photographers while on hospital property.

Definition of Patient Conditions

The Public Relations staff is only permitted to release the patient’s one-word condition. Below are the American Hospital Association-approved conditions:

• Undetermined: Patient is awaiting 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.

Every patient has the right to “opt out” of the hospital’s patient directory. If this is chosen, the patient has expressed that he or she does not want information released – including confirmation of his or her presence in the facility.