The staff of Southern Regional Health System (SRHS) works to ensure the privacy of our patients and their families. Media representatives are required to contact the Southern Regional Health System Public Relations department before entering any of our facilities. In addition, requests for staff interviews must be handled through a public relations representative.

SRHS follows the American Hospital Association’s guidelines for releasing information on the condition of patients. Hospitals and health systems are responsible for protecting the privacy and confidentiality of their patients and patient information. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) mandated regulations that govern privacy standards for healthcare information. HIPAA regulations specify the purposes for which information may and may not be released without authorization from the patient.

Definitions of Patient Conditions

• Undetermined
   
• Good
   
• Fair
   
• Serious
   
• Critical
   
• Deceased