MEDIA POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

As a Thomson Reuter Top 15 Health System, Mission Health has a multitude of innovative and newsworthy stories to share with the public. In an effort to supply media outlets with factual information, please refer all requests to the appropriate personnel listed in this document. Please refer to the following policies when requesting information about Mission Health.

HIPAA Regulations and Release of Patient Information - 828-213-1050

Mission Health works with the media to provide accurate and timely information, while respecting the confidentiality of our patients' medical information and complying with HIPAA's privacy regulations. However, Mission Health may refrain from releasing information about a patient involving cases of a sensitive nature or to ensure their security. All media inquiries for information about patients must be coordinated through the media relations team.

Below are the conditions approved by the American Hospital Association for release about a patient:

• Undetermined: Patient awaiting physician assessment.
• Good: Excellent or good prognosis. Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious and comfortable.
• Fair: Favorable prognosis. Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious but may be uncomfortable. Patient is experiencing minor complications.
• Serious: Acutely ill with questionable prognosis. Vital signs may be unstable and not within normal limits. There is a chance for improved prognosis.
• Critical: Questionable prognosis. Vital signs are unstable and not within normal limits. Patient may be unconscious. Major complications are involved.
• NOTE: The term "stable" will not be used as a condition.

For Media Coming to any Mission Health Facility - see below for contact info

All media interviews or photographs with Mission Health patients, administrators, physicians and employees must be cleared through the media relations team.

Requests for Commentary - see below for contact info

To request an interview with a physician at any of the Mission Health facilities, please contact a member of our media relations team, who will work quickly to accommodate your request.

Fact Checker

Mission Health has created a website where factual information about Western North Carolina's healthcare delivery can be found. This site includes information about market share, population data as well as competitive analyses. Please refer to www.missionfactchecker.org for useful WNC healthcare information.

Media Relations Team Contact Information

When seeking information for a story, please contact the appropriate personnel listed below.