Southcoast Health System adheres to a strict policy that the confidentiality of patient information is always our top priority.
Southcoast Health System adheres to a strict policy that the confidentiality of patient information is always our top priority. Hospitals and health systems are responsible for protecting the privacy and confidentiality of their patients and patient information. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) mandated regulations that govern privacy standards for health care information.
The news media has a responsibility to report matters of general and public interest as quickly and accurately as possible, realizing that Southcoast’s primary responsibility is patient care and confidentiality.
The following guidelines must be followed at all times by members of the media when contacting Southcoast physicians, staff or patients or when accessing Southcoast facilities for the purposes of news gathering, reporting, research or other activities involved in the practice of journalism.
Make contact with Public Relations prior to entering any Southcoast property or speaking with Southcoast physicians, staff or patients.
Identify themselves and their media affiliation, providing contact information such as telephone, fax and e-mail address.
Follow the directions of the Public Relations representative and other Southcoast officials while on Southcoast properties.
Southcoast Health is a not-for-profit, charitable, community-based health system with multiple access points, offering an integrated continuum of health services throughout southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
