How does the HLC find out so fast?

by carla 15 Replies latest jw friends

• 

  rebel8

  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.

  That is illegal. You can report this to the Office of Civil Rights. It carries a $ penalty for the person committing the act and prison time.

  All patients are entered into the hospital directory unless they specifically request to be removed (except if the patient is admitted for chemical addiction or mental illness, in some states they are automatically removed from the directory). Being in the directory means that any member of the general public, if they're clergy or not, can have basic information about you. It can include such things as your name, verifying you're in the hospital, etc.

  The only way clergy should be treated differently is that they can go to the hospital info desk and ask, "Please give me a list of all Catholics admitted yesterday," whereas a non-clergy member wouldn't normally receive that info because they have no valid need for it. They can ask for you by name and get the directory info about you specifically though, if you're in the directory.

  Other than that one small difference, clergy do not legally have any special privileges over the general public. I am not reiterating this to be nitpicky but to ensure ppl are aware of the legalities if info is illegally disclosed to the HLCs. IMO it's a matter of time until this situation arises because HLCs can be pushy (but unfortunately it would be only the hospital employee who would be prosecuted, not the HLC member).
• 

  AudeSapere

  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.

  I suggest that everyone check with their hospital of record to what religious affiliation is noted before you are admitted due to emergency. Even if you change it immediately upon arrival, it may be too late.

  I learned the hard way. Here's my story: http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/16/95897/1.ashx
• 

  orangefatcat

  It is quite interesting to see this thread. Thanks Blondie for the website. I had forgotten about that site.

  Last year when I went to the hospital for my hip replacement I decided to store my own blood in case of complications , I got to the hospital to do this however I had a cold and the nurse said to me that I couldn't store my blood, she said would I accept some one elses blood if it were nessesary. I told that would not be a problem.

  I did n't tell the doctor I wasn't a witness, however when I was admitted to the hospital I was in the bed not to long when someone from hospital administration came to speak to me. She said a few years ago you had surgery in our hospital and you stated you were a JWs. however you stated this time you are Protestant. Are you now longer a witness and i said that is correct. We were wanting to make sure of that because we see you stated that you would accept blood and before you didn't .

  I just said I no longer am a witness and no longer live by the rules and regualtions of the WTBS of JWs. Oh she said well we just wanted to make sure as the computer told us you were. We will change that.

  So yes records are buried in those damn computers.

  Orangefatcat
• 

  under_believer

  The new Advance Medical Directive specifically includes a clause that your medical records are to be freely shared with the elders in your hall. I don't remember the exact wording but it's in there. This means that all bets are off if you have executed one of those dealies.
• 

  rebel8

  Actually, the forms being circulated in the US do not meet the legal requirements to allow medical info to be released. A person would have to sign real forms, such as those created by the hospital, in order for the hospital to legally release info.

  The forms the WTS designed to authorize release of information are as about as valid and authentic as a ring you get in a Cracker Jack box. They should have hired a HIPAA expert; it is apparent they did not.

  HIPAA is the US federal law that protects confidentiality, but there are many state laws in addition to that.
• 

  wednesday

  yes, update the records at the hospital you use and then every other one too. we have numerous hospitals here in this area and as blondie said, once it is in a computer, it is hard to get it changed. The last ER visit I went in for I had to wait so I made sure they went over my records and told them this "take me out of the bloodless program. I no longer believe that and want blood if i need it" the lady was thrilled to remove me. I have done that at every hospital I've been too in the last few years. When they ask for religion most time I list none, that way they leave you alone(most time). (otherwise you may find bloodless or JWS plasterd all over your chart)

  our bloodless program has been in 3 different hospitals in this area. I just cover my bases b/c i want them to leave me alone.