We are required by law to safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of our patients' medical conditions.
Federal regulations set forth in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) strictly limit the patient information we may share with the media. We will release certain information only if the media provides us with a patient name and the name of our facility where the patient is receiving care.
We can only disclose a patient's condition in general terms. We use the following definitions:
Undetermined. Patient is awaiting physician 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.