News
Media Guidelines
The care, comfort and privacy of all of our patients at the Alaska Native Medical Center are of the utmost importance to our staff, and it is our responsibility to uphold those assurances. Our patients have the right to privacy and confidentiality, which is why ANMC requires that all journalists coordinate interview and photograph requests through ANTHC (hospital) and/or SCF (primary care) Public Relations departments. After a media request is received, an ANTHC or SCF staff member will determine with the patient and staff whether the opportunity is possible and, if so, we will then coordinate the media visit, including meeting and accompanying media representatives through our facilities and to the patient.
Photography
No photos or video of patients may be taken without a Public Relations staff member first securing written permission from the patient.
Patient Condition Updates & Patient Privacy
Our first priority is the safety and privacy of our patients and their families. With that in mind, we strictly enforce the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) that limits the amount of patient information we may release without written consent from a patient or patient representative. We cannot elaborate on a patient’s injuries, illness or prognosis. When asking for a patient’s condition update, you must first provide the media representative with the patient’s full name. We use standard language acceptable under HIPAA and American Hospital Association guidelines to describe patient conditions.
- Undetermined – Patient is awaiting physician and/or 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.
- Treated and Released – This could mean the patient was sent home or to another facility.
- Confirming patient deaths – We will report or confirm a patient’s death only after signed consent from next of kin.
For More Information
For more information, please call Public Relations at (907) 729-5653.
Press Releases
Visit our press releases page here.
Media Contacts
Office: (907) 729-5653
24-Hour Media Line: (907) 268-1014
media@anthc.org
Southcentral Foundation (primary care inquiries)
Sharon Leighow
Office: (907) 729-6663
Cell: (907) 202-0157
scfmediarelations@scf.cc