No information regarding the patient's presence in the facility or condition should be released without the patient's authorization. The organization should expect that employees may be approached by individuals outside the organization seeking information on patients. The best defense to this type of tactic is regularly scheduled employee education coupled with strong, well-written policies that are widely distributed to all employees, volunteers, and contractors. The spokesperson should utilize the following one-word condition descriptions when releasing information about the patient. Patient awaiting physician and assessment.
Vital signs are stable and within normal limits.
Patient is conscious and comfortable. Indicators are excellent. Patient is conscious, but may be uncomfortable. Indicators are favorable. Patient is acutely ill.