Can a person's spouse keep family members from getting information about someone in the hospital?

Question

I have an aunt how is in the hospital she's is coming around now, but before, she was unconsicous for about a week. Her husband visited on the first few days, but now isn't visiting at all. My grandma (her mother) is getting there everyday even though it is an hour away from where we live. My family keeps trying to get him to visit (she is asking where he is) but they are worried that he may tell them not to give us any info about her. Would he be able to do this even though it has been my grandmother signing consent forms and going up there everyday?

Answer 1

I'm not sure if he could do that, but at the hospital I work at all patients are assigned a passcode when they're admitted. This passcode is given to any family members who are with the patient when they are admitted. They are told that in order to get any kind of information as to the patient's status they must give the nurse the passcode in order to to be told about their condition. Your grandmother should have something similar to this and give it to all the family members, if the hospital she is staying at is too far away.

Answer 2

Some hospitals will use their discretion in matter such as this. Yes legally, only the spouse or the nominated next of kin can receive information, however if it is made clear that they are not the best person for that, the family may speak to the hospital. Don't get your hopes up, they will most likely say no, but they are generally in business for the patient, so whatever is best for them. Simply asking will not cost anything.

Answer 3

A spouse must inform other direct relatives about the status and other pertinent information of the other spouse that is unconcious in a hospital. Otherwise, file a special civil action court to order the other spouse for support and appearance before the relatives.