In order to protect the confidentiality of patients, visitors and staff, the Public Relations Department is responsible for coordinating all communications with the media. Information will be disclosed only as permitted by State and Federal law and hospital policy.
Please call the Public Relations Department for information or to arrange interviews or photographs
Provide advance request of on-site interviews to allow Public Relations staff to make the necessary arrangements an obtain any required authorizations/approvals
To protect the privacy of Rome Memorial's patients and families, Public Relations staff must accompany all reporters, film crews and photographers at the facility
The Department's regular business hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Outside of normal business hours, the nursing supervisor will contact the Public Relations Director at home if a situation warrants an immediate response. Routine inquiries will be referred to the Public Relations Department on the next business day.
Patient Condition Reports
In compliance with the Health Insurance Portability an Accountability Act of 1996, the hospital is permitted to release a one-word condition report in response to a media inquiry without the patient's prior written authorization.
IF the injury specifically identifies the patient by name; AND
IF the patient has chosen to be included in the hospital directory; AND
IF there are no specific policies or regulations prohibiting the disclosure.
During normal business hours, call (315) 337-5177 for a patient condition report. After business hours, call 338-7000 and ask for the nursing supervisor to obtain a condition report.
The following one-word descriptions are used:
Undetermined - Patient is awaiting physician and/or assessment.
Good - Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious and comfortable. Indicators are favorable.
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.
Deceased - This "condition" can be released only after next of kin has been notified. Date, time, or cause of death cannot be provided without express written authorization from the patient's representative.
If a patient is no longer at the facility, the following descriptions will be used:
Treated and Released
Discharged
Transferred
Information cannot be provided regarding when the patient left the facility or where he/she went.
