Media Requests, Interviews and Patient Conditions
Media members with inquiries are to contact our 24-hour media hotline (208-625-5300). Prior to an interview, the communications and marketing department will seek information about the publication, program or website, nature of the story, names of others being interviewed, questions to be asked, deadline and when the story is expected to publish or air.
When asked about a patient currently in the hospital, per HIPAA guidelines, the communications and marketing team is allowed to provide a one-word patient condition report to media members who have the patient’s first and last name.
Conditions and definitions:
- Treated and released
- Undetermined: Patient is awaiting physician assessment or currently being evaluated
- 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.
- Death: Patient’s death can be released only after the family is notified and after permission is granted from the family’s legal representative. Media members may be referred to the county coroner for further details.
The hospital can make no additional comments or statements about a patient’s care unless provided written permission by the patient or legal guardian.
Confidential/Unlisted Patients:
There are certain situations in which hospitals cannot provide any information on a patient, or even confirm that the patients is at the hospital.
We are unable to provide information when:
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- A patient is under the age of 18 and we do not have parental consent to provide condition updates.
- It is a sensitive case such as rape or sexual abuse, or in some instances related to behavioral health.
- If acknowledging the patient’s location at the hospital may put them in danger.
- If the patient or a family member acting on behalf of the patient has asked to opt out of the hospital directory.
