Lancaster General Health strives to be a major resource of healthcare information for the people and communities we serve. To that end, the Public Relations and Corporate Communications Department will make every effort to provide prompt and accurate information to the media.

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.

In recognizing its obligation to its patients, employees and the community, Lancaster General Health’s media relations guidelines will be guided by three major considerations:

1. To safeguard the private and legal rights of the individual so that no patient, employee or customer will be caused embarrassment or discomfort or be made an object of scorn or ridicule.
   
2. To report information promptly and accurately.
   
3. To cooperate sincerely with all news media while keeping in mind that patient care and hospital operations are of the highest priority.

The Public Relations and Corporate Communications Department