Media Policies
Eden Medical Center's Public Relations Department is available to assist local, regional, national and international news media in answering questions about the medical center, locating an expert to comment on a news story, or finding out more information about a news release or media event. Since Eden Medical Center is the Regional Trauma Center for southern Alameda County, we are available to provide general patient information on breaking news stories 24 hours a day.
Guidelines to Release of Patient Information
The California Healthcare Association’s Guide to Release of Patient Information is a valuable tool help media understand the legal and ethical considerations hospitals take when providing information to the media. More details, are available online at www.calhealth.org. Eden Medical Center is committed to working with the media and our patients to ensure honest, accurate and timely information, respecting the individual’s right to privacy.
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Definition of Patient Conditions
There are some basic terms that we may use to describe a patient's condition, when a patient authorizes such a disclosure. Below are the terms and their definitions.
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Frequently Asked Questions: What Every Reporter Should Know
Q. Is patient information considered public information?
A. No, it is not. Federal and state privacy lasw strictly regulate the release of patient information, and every patient has a right to refuse any information be released at any time. This is true for public figures as well as major public news stories (i.e, disaster). And it is left to each hospital’s policy to determine if they will routinely release legally allowable information to the press and the public. Eden Medical Center's policy is to release a name and condition of a patient if (1) you inquire using the name of the patient and (2) the patient does not object to the release of this information. In order for us to release any additional information (type of injury, etc.), we must have specific written authorization from the patient. Of course, this means that the patient must be conscious and agreeable in order for that to happen. It also takes considerable time to ensure we receive proper authorization -- and the media works under time deadlines that may not be compatible.
Q. Why do you release information in some patients, but not on all patients?
A. Any patient admitted to a hospital can request that the hospital release no information on his or her status, including whether or not that patient is even admitted to the hospital. If a patient or his/her representative requests this status, we are obligated by state and federal laws not to release any information, including whether or not the patient is at the hospital, even though you already know he or she is here. (Note: this automatically applies to psychiatric, drug or alcohol abuse patients and AIDS patients).
Q. Why are some trauma patients designated "no information," even when the police agency releases information?
A. A patient (or representative, usually a family member), a police agency or the hospital nursing supervisor can place a patient on No Information status if they believe that, by releasing information, the patient and/or hospital staff may be in danger. We first and foremost are committed to the patient's needs and safety. Once a patient is on "No Information" status, we are bound by state and federal laws not to release any information. If a patient does authorize the release of information and specific written permission is obtained, we can then release general information, as permitted.
More information about privacy laws and information may be obtained from the California Hospital Association's Guide to Release of Patient Information.
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Contact Us
You can reach a media representative at the following phone numbers.
During normal business hours, please call the Public Relations Department at (510) 728-1630. If you are on a tight deadline, call our Media Line at (510) 305-6579.
After hours, weekends and holidays, please call our Media Line at (510) 305-6579. If you experience delays, call the hospital operator at (510) 537-1234 and ask for assistance.
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