How Do I Handle…
…A family member or close friend asking about a patient?
- Directory information
- Name, location, condition in general terms
- Other type of clinical or billing information
- Obtain permission
- Disclose appropriate information
- Use judgment if permission cannot be obtained
How would you handle a family member or close friend asking about a patient?
If an individual is asked for by name and they have approved it, directory information can be disclosed. Directory information includes the individual's name, location in the facility, or condition in general terms (good, fair, poor, critical).
What if a family member or close friend is asking for clinical or billing information? First, you should try to obtain permission from the individual if they are present and competent to give permission. If they are not, staff may use their professional judgment to determine if information should be disclosed and how much. To make this decision, consider who the person is and their relationship to the individual and disclose only the information that is pertinent to that relationship. For example, if the relative has financial Power of Attorney and is requesting information related to payment of the bill, it would be appropriate to disclose information for payment purposes.