Requests regarding patient information will be processed with the utmost regard for the patient's right to confidentiality and the distribution of consistent and accurate information. Information released to the media will be to the extent permitted by federal and state laws.
FMH/DC and its workforce will comply with all laws and regulations pertaining to confidentiality, and will protect confidential and sensitive patient, medical, employee and business information in oral, paper-based and electronic form.
Patients have the option upon admission to expressly state that they do not wish to have any information, including confirmation of their presence in the facility, released.
Except for the following one-word conditions, no information about a patient's condition will be released without the patient's permission:
- Undetermined: Patient is awaiting physician and/or assessment
- Good: Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious and comfortable. Indicators are positive Discharge may be anticipated/scheduled.
- Fair: Vital signs are stable and within normal limits but patient/resident may be uncomfortable or have minor complications. Indicators are favorable.
- Serious: Vital signs may be unstable or not within normal limits. Patient/resident may be acutely ill. Indicators may be unclear at this time.
- Critical: Vital signs may be unstable and not within normal limits Patient/resident is critically ill Indicators are unfavorable
- Unconscious: May be stated that the patient/resident is not conscious.
- Deceased: Considered a matter of public record after the notification of next of kin. Cause of death should come from the physician and/or family.
- Treated and released and/or discharged: Especially following short-term treatment in the Emergency Department, this condition may be appropriate. Notice of discharge is also acceptable for release.