Medical Records

Confidentiality of Medical Information 

St.Vincent Jennings Hospital preserves the confidentiality of medical information to protect patients' privacy. Guidelines pertaining to the release of such information are established to protect the patients' right to privacy, as well as to provide the information to authorized persons for patient care, insurance and legal matters, and other legitimate business purposes. Except in specific instances, the authorization of the patient (or an authorized representative) is necessary before such information may be released.
  
The following conditions may serve to clarify the patient's condition:

• Undetermined: Patient awaiting physician and 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. 

Copies of Medical Records 

A written authorization is required for the release of records from St.Vincent Jennings Hospital. If the request is submitted in person, picture identification is required.

Guidelines for Signatures 

1. The patient, if eighteen years of age or older, or, if under eighteen, is emancipated or married. 
2. The guardian of a patient in a minority (i.e., under eighteen years of age) if legally appointed.  Proof of guardianship is required. 
3. The parent having custody of the patient, if the patient is under eighteen years of age, is unmarried, and is under parental control. 
4. If a person is under eighteen years of age, is unmarried and is not in the custody of a parent or legal guardian and is a neglected child, then by the agency of which the child has been made a ward of the Juvenile Court. 
5. If the patient is found incompetent for a reason or reasons other than minority, then by the court-appointed guardian; or, if he has been committed to an institution, then by the superintendent of such institution; 
6. The personal representative (executor or administrator) of the deceased patient’s estate; or, if there is no personal representative, the spouse, or if none, an adult child. 
7. The appointed health care representative, provided that evidence of such appointment is received which describes the personal representative’s authority to act for the individual.

NOTE:  If information concerns a minor treated primarily for drug and/or alcohol abuse, consent need only be given by the minor.

For more information, please call (812) 352-4200.