Patient Condition Reports and Unlisted Patients

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.