MercyOne News and Media

MercyOne has developed a series of processes to assist the media, while ensuring you receive information that is timely, accurate, complete and concise. Due to HIPAA confidentially requirements, media must have a MercyOne Marketing and Communications escort at all times when they are in a MercyOne facility or on campus.

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MercyOne Video for Reporter Use

MercyOne is providing the below file footage for media use. The MercyOne logo is required to be shown in all frames if this footage is used. 

Cancer   Cardiology   Emergency Care  Primary Care

Patient Conditions

Patient care is our primary mission, and it is our responsibility to safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of all patients. For this reason, MercyOne does not release any patient information including condition reports, and does not validate condition assessments provided by law enforcement. However, the media may hear the following terms to describe a patient’s physical condition.  The following terminology is as defined by the American Hospital Association:

• Undetermined - Patient is awaiting physician and/or assessment.
• 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 be unconscious. Indicators are unfavorable.
• Treated and Released – This could mean the patient was sent home or to another facility.

HIPAA and the Media

The release of information about a patient and his/her physical condition and care is regulated by Iowa and Federal Laws. Additionally, Iowa law prohibits the release of any information about patients receiving behavioral health care.

The Federal Health Insurance Portability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) prohibits the release of any Personal Health Information (PHI) without patient consent, including:

• Name
• Medical condition
• Photographic image

Depending on a patient’s medical condition, acquiring such a consent may not be immediately possible. The nature of a patient’s injuries, or medical treatment being provided, can impact a patient’s decision-making capability and delay the release of information. If the patient is a minor, or unable to make an informed decision about his/her PHI, a family member, designated individual or member of medical staff can make that decision. No information will be released about patients who are unable to make informed decisions until a family member or designated individual arrives to make that decision on behalf of the patient.

A HIPAA consent can be revoked at any time by the patient, family member or designated individual acting for the patient.