Patient Directory

Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), you can choose whether to be listed in the hospital's patient directory. What does that mean?

If you choose to be in the patient directory:

• If a person inquires about you by your name, hospital staff may give them your location and a one-word description of your condition.
• No other information may be released without your written consent.

If you choose not to be in the patient directory:

• Your name will not show up as a patient in the patient information system.
• Anyone who comes to the hospital or calls for you will be told that you are not a patient.
• Flowers and gifts will be returned to the sender.
• You should notify family and friends of your room number if you would like them to visit you; they will not be able to get that information at the Information Desk.