Media Contact Information

Release of Information Guidelines

Privacy regulations established through the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 strictly govern the use and release of a patient’s personal health information.

Hays Medical Center follows HIPAA and American Hospital Association guidelines. For more information go to the Kansas Hospital Association’s Hospital Guidelines for Releasing Patient Information to the Media and Commonly asked questions about releasing patient information the media.

Tips
In order to provide a condition report on a patient, the media must first provide the patient’s first and last name. No exceptions will be made.

Information about any patient is limited to a one-word condition report consistent with the limitations imposed by HIPAA privacy standards.

The American Hospital Association has suggested the following one-word descriptions of a patient’s condition.

*Undetermined — Patient 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.
*Treated and Released — received treatment but not admitted
*Deceased