How does the HLC find out so fast?

carla

How does the HLC find out someone is in the hospital so fast? Does a family member call? Does the hospital see the 'no blood' in their records and call? How does that work?

Supposedly the HLC only gets involved in the individual or a family member calls...they don't keep individual records on JW members. I can remember some JWs going in for operations who didn't tell anyone outside their spouse and minor children, and the HLC never knew. Also, if the operation is not one that presents a danger of blood transfusion, most HLC members do not get involved until it does come up. Of course, there are also nosy JWs who take it upon themselves to tell but my experience is that the HLC are not running up there for minor operations. JWs are expected to inform their doctors well in advance of any operations regarding their "personal" desires regarding blood. HLC members get very testy if they walk into a situation where the JW is telling the HLC member to tell the doctor that they can't take blood.

www.ajwrb.org

This website is on JW blood issues and is maintained by ex-JWs who were elders (are elders?), and members of the HLC in their area. They would have the most comprehensive and detailed information.

Love, Blondie (just reporting my experiences)

carla

Thanks. That site is already in my favorites. Just haven't been there in awhile.

rebel8

US privacy laws allow a hospital to disclose a patient's presence in the hospital to clergy (unless the patient or patient's guardian specifically requested no info be given), so it could be that the hospital called them. Another thing is that some HLCs are in the habit of having someone go to the hospital admitting office once or twice a week to check if there are any JWs admitted. That is what they do in my city.

blondie

If you don't want any surprises, make sure you are no longer listed at the hospital as a JW even if you did not designate yourself recently....those computers have long memories.

Also, update your healthcare proxies now before an emergency comes up regarding the use of blood. Designate someone (not necessarily a family member) who will support your wishes. These don't require a lawyer to set up. Check with your state/province/governmental entity to see about forms. These are very strong documents in court.

As rebel8 pointed out, designate who can visit you in line with the laws of your area. Don't be bashful about making sure the hospital adheres to them.

The HLC is this area is fairly lazy and the laws are very strict now about who gets to see a patient.

Of course, I still have a fight with the hospital leaving my chart outside my room for any Tom, Dick, and Harry to look at. They say they don't want to wake me up to look at after they have been in 3 times to ask me if I'm asleep and 3 more times to make me swallow my meds.

Blondie

tijkmo

directed by holy spirit

Mulan

If you don't want any surprises, make sure you are no longer listed at the hospital as a JW even if you did not designate yourself recently....those computers have long memories.
Also, update your healthcare proxies now before an emergency comes up regarding the use of blood. Designate someone (not necessarily a family member) who will support your wishes. These don't require a lawyer to set up. Check with your state/province/governmental entity to see about forms. These are very strong documents in court.

Very good advice. We did that, not too long ago, considering we've been out almost 10 years. My gynecologist threw her hands up in the air when I told her we were no longer JW's, and said "Thank God", and wrote notes in several places on my records.

I know that in our area, there is a couple who visit hospitals to "encourage" any JW's who are there. Actually it is a wonderful thing. When my mother was in the hospital for about a month, she got a lot of comfort from them, and they still visit her frequently even now. I think they are the ones who would alert the HLC.

Mary

My mother phoned one of the elders and told them about dad, so I will assume that the elder phoned Bethel or maybe the brother who's on the HLC directly and he came to the hospital at warp speed. Gee, I hope this brother didn't miss a meeting or field service on account of us. I'd just feel terrible knowing that he did.

willyloman

When you are admitted, the paperwork that gets filled out included a space to declare your religion. If "jw" gets put in that box, it goes with all the other info on the form into the computer and there's a printout. Same with all other religions. That way, clergy can review the admissions records and seek out their religious brethren. These records are to be confidential, but clergy are given special consideration. Also, is the HLC in your area is especially active and has a good relationship with personnel at the hospital, they'll get to see this info almost as soon as you are admitted. If there is a "bloodless surgery" center at your hospital, the person in charge will see the printout the morning after you are admitted and will contact the dubs ... or visit you in person if the bloodless surgery coordinator is a dub elder by virtue of previous membership on the HLC (a fairly common career progression, by the way).

Darth Yhwh

My dad had surgery last year. The HLC showed up and spent the entire day with us. Jehovah blessed us so. Here's a link to my story.

http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/7/101353/1.ashx

In this instance my mother seemed quite suprised that he was there. My guess is that one of my mothers congregation buddies took the liberty to make the call.

How does the HLC find out so fast?

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