Photographs or interviews requested by the media can be granted only with the patient's prior written consent. When the patient is a minor, permission from the parent or guardian must be obtained.

For each specific photograph request, the hospital will require a completed, dated, and signed patient consent form for its records prior to photographing. This consent form will become a permanent part of the patient's medical record in accordance with individual hospital policy.

Requests to interview or photograph a patient under arrest or custody will be referred to the police department or governmental agency holding jurisdiction.

The hospital spokesperson and physician may grant or decline permission to interview or photograph a patient if such actions interfere with the patient's well-being or the delivery of patient care. Often these circumstances are temporary, and frequently approval is given when conditions change.

The hospital official spokesperson should accompany the news media and the patient throughout the entire session to provide assistance and protect the patient's rights.

Only in rare circumstances and with the permission of the patient's family will media coverage of unconscious patients or patients suffering from severe illnesses or injury be permitted.