Media Relations Policies and Procedures

Please contact Public Relations and Marketing for assistance with interviews of hospital staff, physicians or patients. A staff member from the Public Relations Department must accompany all reporters and photographers while on hospital property.

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.