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 law not to release any information. If a patient does authorize the release of information and specific 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.
Related Questions
- Is it true that hospitals that do not participate in the trauma system cannot receive trauma patients unless there is no designated trauma hospital within 30 minutes of the scene?
- Do new committees have to be established to perform Performance Improvement on trauma patients?
- Are adrenal injuries predictive of adrenal insufficiency in patients sustaining blunt trauma?
