Media Policy & Patient Condition Reports

To the extent that the hospitals and media recognize each other's responsibilities, Norton Healthcare sees its relationship with the media as one based on mutual respect and understanding of each entity's constraints and needs. Both institutions are important to the community. Therefore, Norton Healthcare's policy calls for cooperation with the media within the reasonable framework of acceptable conduct. Information about patients, except as required by law, must not be given without consent of the patient or the patient's immediate family and the patient's physician.

To view a complete copy of Norton Healthcare's Media Policy, please contact us.

To learn more about how medical information may be used and disclosed and how you can access health information, you may read the HIPAA notice of privacy practices.

Patient Condition Reports

Critical:
Vital signs are unstable and not within normal limits.
Patient may not be conscious.
Indicators are unfavorable.

Serious:
Vital signs may be unstable and not within normal limits.
Patient is acutely ill.
Indicators are questionable.

Fair:
Vital signs are stable and within normal limits.
Patient is conscious but may be uncomfortable.
Indicators are favorable.

Good:
Vital signs are stable and within normal limits.
Patient is conscious and comfortable.
Indicators are excellent.

If you are a member of the media, please call (502) 421-5712 for information concerning patient condition reports.