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Bonner General Hospital strives to keep the public informed and to cooperate with the news media. However, protecting the privacy of our patients and is our first priority. Members of the media must adhere to the following:
Contact: Tarah Neujahr, Marketing and Communications Manager, 208-265-3390,
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Interviews and Photographs
- Bonner General Hospital's Community Development department must give prior approval of all requests for interviews and photographs with patients, physicians or employees.
- Permission to interview or photograph a patient at Bonner General Hospital will only be given if the patient or legal representative gives written consent.
- Members of the news media must be accompanied by a member of the Community Development department at all times while on the Bonner General Hospital campus.
- Media must immediately stop interviewing, photographing or videotaping upon the request of the patient, physician, nursing staff or member of the Community Development department.
Patient Condition Requests
Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA), news media seeking information about a patient must provide a patient's first and last name before information about that patient's condition can be released. No information will be released if the patient:
- requests that no information be released.
- is under age 18, unless a parent or legal guardian has given written consent.
- is being assessed or treated for a psychiatric condition.
- is involved in domestic violence, elder abuse, substance abuse, sexual assault, attempted suicide, or other sensitive conditions or circumstances.
Unless the patient's condition is considered confidential for the reasons indicated above, the following description of the patient's condition will be provided to the media:
Undetermined – Patient undergoing assessment.
Good – Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. The patient is conscious and comfortable. Iindicators are excellent.
Fair – Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. The patient is conscious but may be uncomfortable. Indicators are favorable.
Serious– Vital signs are 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--Received treatment, but not admitted.
Treated and Transferred--Received treatment, and transferred to a different facility.
Deceased Patients
Bonner General Hospital will disclose the death of a patient only after next-of-kin has been notified.
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