Patient Information Release Policy

• Information about a minor cannot be released without consent of the patient's parent or legal guardian.
• The name of a patient can be confirmed by the Medical Center. However, it cannot be given without the patient's permission.
• All patient interviews are subject to approval by the patient's attending physician.
• General condition reports can be released by the Medical Center unless the patient has requested orally or in writing to be a "no information" patient.
• In defining a patient's "general condition," Saint Agnes Medical Center abides by the following guidelines: 
  • 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.
  • Deceased: Announcement of death is not typically made by the Medical Center. However, after the family has been notified or after all reasonable efforts to notify the family have been made, news of the patient's death is public information and may be released upon the Medical Center's discretion.

The cause of a patient's death cannot be released by the Medical Center. Such inquiries will be referred to the County Coroner.