My husband was taken to the hospital from the nursing home the other day. I have tried to call and get answers to what is going on with him. No one will tell me one thing except that he is "OKAY". They tell me that (EVEN THOUGH I'M HIS W I F E) that the state of Florida has a law that no information may given out on the telephone about any patient...even by his attending physician....which is none of my business, either. I think this is preposterous! They told me I could visit, though, and they could talk to me. I LIVE IN VIRGINIA! GEEZ! I think this is cruel. I asked how long he would be there (assuming I could scratch up funds to fly down and get a motel). Again, none of my business. Sorry, she says, she isn't allowed to pass any information along to me. Maddening.
Stuntgirl, since HIPAA law was passed, protecting the individual's right to privacy, the hospital could be sued for giving out any information to anyone over the phone. How can they prove you are you? They can't over the phone. You might be able to fax to them a copy of your driver's license and request that they call YOU at your number, or fax you back the information, but most hospitals and physicians prefer a face to face meeting with the relatives to release information. It is really for the patient's best interest, even though in instances of long distance, makes it very difficult for loved ones. Can you not call his children or sister and ask them what is going on?
I don't think they would talk to you under any circumstances unless you have POA or your husband was able to sign HIPAA authorization. I'm not sure, but I don't think they would tell you anything if you were there. Some of this stuff is ridiculous, but i can understand why they are so worried about being sued.
Some of it is ridiculous, but they have to operate under CYA thinking. Recently, as his Guardian I had to complete a HIPPA authorization on my DH's behalf, authorizng them to talk to me.