Are hospitals allowed to tell you if a patient is there?
Are hospitals allowed to tell you if a patient is there?
Under the HIPAA medical privacy rule, a hospital is permitted to release only directory information (i.e., the patient's one-word condition and location) to individuals who inquire about the patient by name unless the patient has requested that information be withheld.
Do hospitals notify family?
Answer: Yes. The HIPAA Privacy Rule, at 45 CFR 164.510(b), permits covered entities to notify, or assist in the notification of, family members, personal representatives, or other persons responsible for the care of the patient, of the patient's location, general condition, or death.Nov 3, 2003