December 15, 2003
When you are registering for an appointment in the clinics or the Emergency Department, are you being asked if it's all right to tell callers that you are in the facility? Do you wonder why you are being asked?
The information that we can release, with the patient's consent, is referred to as directory information. It is limited information about you and your whereabouts in the facility. If you don't want YKHC to tell anyone--other than your providers--that you are in the facility and being seen, or you want only certain people to be told, that is your right.
The next time you register, know that you can restrict who we communicate besides those who provide your care. You can give consent, not give consent, or restrict whom you want us to speak with (i.e. your mother, your wife, not your brother, etc).
In accordance with Federal Regulation 45 CFR 164.510 of the Privacy Rule, with your consent, when you register as a patient at the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, the following directory information is permitted to be released to members of the public calling to inquire about you by name. You have a right to object or restrict who receives this information.
1. Confirm your name--that you have arrived and registered (yes or no answer)
2. You have been evaluated (yes or no answer)
3. Your location within the Corporation (ER, North Wing, Clinic--but not a specific room)
4. Your condition:
- 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 and comfortable.
Serious/Guarded: Vital signs are unstable, and not within normal limits; patient is ill; indicators are questionable.
Critical: Vital signs may be unstable and not within normal limits; patient be may be unconscious; indicators are unfavorable.
Treated and Released: You have been seen by a provider, treated and discharged.
Death is not a condition and will not be communicated to the public.
5. Your religious affiliation--only released to the clergy.
6. Behavioral Health related information will not be released.
Under the additional protection of CFR 42, Part 2, the release of directory information does not apply to any of the Behavioral Health related facilities. Back to Messenger 12-03 Contents