It is the policy of East Jefferson General Hospital to cooperate with the news media to responsibly report information promptly, accurately and in a manner that protects the rights and privacy of patients. In all cases involving possible release of confidential patient information to the media, deliberate review on a case-by-case basis will preceed such release. If there is any question or doubt about any release, the release will not be made until all issues are resolved. If a patient is not able to consent or if there is no release consent by a family member, no information shall be released. We ask that the Marketing Communications Department be contacted to address a request to the Hospital for information regarding patients condition and the care being administered. Media requests addressed to the Hospital are approved or denied at the discretion of the Marketing Communications Department.
Requests for patient information should be directed to the Marketing Communications Department. Hospital employed physicians, team members and other East Jefferson employees are not to provide any patient information without approval of the Marketing Communications Department and the consent of the patient.
Released information regarding a patient’s condition will be made in a one-word description from the following categories:
Undetermined – Patient is awaiting assessment.
Good – Vitals signs such as pulse, temperature and blood pressure are stable and within normal limits. The patient is conscious and comfortable and the outlook for recovery is good.
Fair – Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. The patient is conscious but may be uncomfortable. He or she may have minor complications. The outlook is favorable.
Serious – Vital signs are unstable or not within normal limits. The patient is acutely ill and questionable outlook.
Critical – Vital signs are unstable or not within normal limits. Patient may be unconscious. There may be major complications. The patient’s outlook is unfavorable.
Deceased – All information regarding patient will be referred to the coroner’s office.
Treated and Released – No additional information on the type of treatment provided, extent of injuries, time of release or details of the release will be provided.
Treated and Transferred – Because it is possible to inadvertently reveal personal health information based on transfer location, no additional information regarding a transfer shall be provided including the name or location of a facility to which a patient was transferred.
On-Site Media
It is the policy of East Jefferson General Hospital that all media on hospital property in their professional capacity shall have prior approval from the Marketing Communications Department and must will be accompanied by a Marketing Communications staff member at all times. An EJGH Authorized Media Identification Badge will be provided and must be worn by media members during the time they are on hospital grounds. Patient identifiable photography/videography taken on-site must have patient and hospital approval. Patients and their medical care are considered protected health information and will be protected as such.
The hospital reserves the right to modify or deny requests to photograph or videotape patients or others on the premises at its discretion due to a patient ‘s condition, team member involvement, possible disruption to operations or other patients, as well as other conditions the hospital considers not in the best interest of the patients in our care.
