The nurse/doctor says theres a law "hyple? hypo?" I'm not sure, where only 1 family member can have access to what is going on with my uncle while he is too messed up to talk to us himself. What is this law called? Where can I read about it?
2007-03-23 07:27:20 · 7 answers · asked by a_watched_pot_boils 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Last time I had surgery/dr appt, they were requiring me to fill out an information release form that gave permission for them to give information to only one person, who was my wife. Odds are this is the problem you are having. Check with the hospital admistrative staff.
2007-03-23 07:30:54 · answer #1 · answered by wizjp 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's called HIPPA and the doctors and nurses are 100% correct. One designated person - usually next of kin (legal NOK) or the person designated by the patient (DPOA) are the only person who is allowed to receive information.
Additionally think of this - if every family member calls the nurses or doctors then every minute they spend talking to the family is a minute they do not spend caring for your uncle. Trust me a minute does not sound like much - but answering the phone 20 times a shift to say I am sorry you must talk to the designated family member can take up a substantial amount of time that the nurses would rather care spend caring for the patient not appeasing family members.
To Lisa: please do not assume it is a "nice" nurse who will break the law and risk her license to violate the patients rights. A Nurse is legally obligated to uphold HIPPA laws as is the hospital - their primary role is the patients advocate, which means protecting his right to privacy, not appeasing family who "think" they are entitled to something they are not BY LAW.
2007-03-23 14:36:16 · answer #2 · answered by Susie D 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's the "HIPPA" privacy law act. Of course, the only way to bypass it is to have him let the physicians know it's ok for you to have information, and he's not in the state of mind to do that. Very painful for you. The hospital is supposed to have that info on file, because every time you see any kind of doctor, you have to sign that you agree to this. I'm sorry. Sometimes if there's a nice, understanding nurse, they can make a "mistake" and let calls or visits get through "unnoticed". I've had that happen. I'm sorry!!
2007-03-23 14:37:23 · answer #3 · answered by Lisa 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I AM A HEALTH CARE ATTORNEY, FLA BAR, IF UNCLE IN INTENSIVE CARE HOSPITAL HAS RULES ON WHO CAN VISIT AND WHEN, IF NOT IN INTENSIVE CARE, AND NO DOCTORS NOTE IN CHART RESTRICTING VISITORS ANYONE UP TO USUALLY TWO VISAORS PER ROOM CAN VISIT
ASKS THE HOSAPITAL PATIENT REPRESENTATIVE TO TELL YOU THE HOSPITALRULES
ASK TO SEE ONLY THE PART OF THE DOCTORS ORDERS THAT SAYS NO VISITORS
IFF NOA A FAMILY MEMBER AND PATIENT IN INTENSIVE CARE THIS IS NOT LITIGATED, BY LAW THE HOSPITAL CANNOT KEEP YOU OUT JUT ECASUE YOU ARE NOT A FAMILY MEMBER
TELL THEM YHOU ARE A FOURTH COUSIN REMOVED, HOSPITALS HAVE NO DEFINITINS OF WHAT IS A FAMILY MEMBER?
IF PATIENT HAD A LIVING WILL MAYBE IT LIMITS VISITORS, ASK TO SPEAK WITH THE NURSING DIRECTOR OR NURSING SUPERVISOR, SHE/HE CAN TELLYOU REAL HOSPITAL RULES AND THEN ASK TO SEE THEM IN WRITING
ALL ACLU FOR HELP
2007-03-23 14:40:09 · answer #4 · answered by jdschumanrk 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
he has the right to keep his medical records and conditions unknown...he problably has a living will....and or a POA=Power of Attorney....i have the same thing...i want someone to know i will tell them...wifey knows my wishes....my brother is an attorney...i keep everything up to date ...good luck and hope i helped
2007-03-23 14:37:22 · answer #5 · answered by Michael K 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
thats really strange! I wouls believe you have the right to know! Call the Headquarters!
2007-03-23 14:30:24 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is called HIPPA. And yes the hospital will not speak with you.
2007-03-23 14:31:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋