All media interviews and inquires must be arranged through MidState Medical Center’s Community Relations department. Keep in mind that there are strict patient privacy laws that limit the type of information we are able to provide you with. Please use the below guidelines when contacting a MidState media relations specialist for the release of patient information:

Release of Patient Information
Privacy regulations issued by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) strictly govern the use and release of a patient's personal health information. As a member of the media, here is what you need to know if you want information about a MidState patient:

• Community Relations must first check to see that the patient has not secured his/her privacy, in which case we would be unable to release any information
• You must have the patient's first and last name before we can release a condition. Without a name, condition reports can’t be released.
• If you have the patient's first and last name, the only information that may be released to the media is a one-word condition report – unless the MidState media relations specialist receives consent from the patient, patient’s legal representative or, if the patient is under 18 years of age, the patient's parent or guardian.
• Patients have the right to deny the release of any information about their condition – even that one-word condition report. For a minor, the parent or guardian has the authority to make that decision.

Here are the one-word patient conditions we can release:

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 not be conscious; indicators are unfavorable.

Video/Photography Guidelines

A Community Relations staff member must accompany a reporter and/or photographer at all times. We will do our best to ensure that you capture what you need to complete your story.