Media policy
The following is our media policy in accordance with the
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations.
Media Access
Whenever the media is on Sanford Health property, the media needs to be accompanied by an associate from community relations. Anyone interviewed and/or photographed for a media story while on Sanford Health property needs to sign a consent form provided by community relations. Sanford Health patients and staff reserve the right to refuse to appear in a media story of any format. The privacy of our patients is of utmost concern and we refuse to infringe upon their legal rights to privacy outlined in HIPAA.
Filming parameters
Media may film outside Sanford Health on public sidewalks or roadways without community relations permission. However, if the media causes an obstruction to patient care, Sanford Health will notify its security department.
Patient information
To request patient status information, a reporter must provide the patient's name. Sanford Health must obtain consent from the patient or next of kin to release information.
Terminology
The following terms shall be used by the authorized spokesperson to describe the patient's condition:
- UNDETERMINED: Patient is awaiting assessment.
- GOOD/SATISFACTORY: Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious but may be uncomfortable. Indicators are favorable.
- FAIR/GUARDED: Vital signs are stable and within normal limits, but monitoring is advisable. 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.
- DECEASED: The death of a patient can be reported by the system after the next of kin or legal authorities have been notified. Information regarding the cause of death must originate from the patient's doctor or coroner. Its release must be approved by a member of the immediate family or an appropriate representative.
Contact community relations
To report a story involving Sanford Health’s facilities, associates, patients or anything else related to Sanford Health, please contact Kim Singer, Sanford Health public relations coordinator,
(701) 323-6312 or kimberly.singer@sanfordhealth.org. After hours, please call (701) 323-6000. If you suspect a late arrival, please call Kim to let her know at (701) 425-7465.
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