In order to assure smooth, accurate, and timely access to medical information:

• South Dakota hospitals will have a spokesperson available to respond quickly and accurately to media inquiries.

• South Dakota physicians should be accessible to the news media either directly or through a spokesperson to the extent that it does not affect the quality of patient care.

South Dakota news media professionals are expected to seek information through designated spokespersons and to respect hospital regulations regarding entry into all areas of the hospital. In most cases, information can be found through the specified public affairs/public relations offices.

• All parties agree that information will be disseminated accurately, frankly, and without sensationalism. The South Dakota Code of Cooperation among hospitals, physicians, and the news media has been approved by the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) and the South Dakota State Medical Association (SDSMA).