Requests for patient information

St. Charles has a responsibility to provide accurate information to the public in a way that is consistent with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and does not infringe upon patient privacy, professional medical ethics or patient care.

As long as the patient has not requested that information be withheld, we may release a one-word condition and location to individuals who inquire about the patient by name.

Patient conditions defined

  • Good: Vital signs such as pulse, temperature and blood pressure are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious, comfortable and there are no complications.
  • Fair: Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious and alert although may be uncomfortable or in pain and may have minor complications.
  • Serious: Vital signs may be unstable or outside normal limits. The patient is acutely ill or injured and may have major complications.
  • Critical: Vital signs are unstable or outside normal limits. There are major complications. (Most patients in an intensive care unit are considered critical until ready to be moved to a regular nursing unit.)
  • "Stable" is NOT a condition.

More information for the news media is available on the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems website.