IMPORTANT INFORMATION AFFECTING PASTORAL MINISTRY IN HOSPITALS

THE FOLLOWING WAS RECEIVED FROM THE STATED CLERK.
We share it here to help get the word out regarding the changes this will
make to pastoral ministry in local hospitals.

"I received this letter from State College Pres, and wonder if it would be
good to circulate a similar announcement via the website; it may well pertain
to other hospitals and folks. It said 'am writing this letter to inform you
of a significant change which will take place September 1 in the ability of
your church to provide Pastoral Care to you in times of illness. On that
date, Centre Community Hospital will no longer make the names of those who
are hospitalized available to churches and pastors. The change will have an
enormous impact on the way in which our church goes about fulfilling Jesus'
mandate to visit, comfort and pray with those who are sick.

This change is coming about because of new federal legislation called HIPAA,
which deals with confidentiality of medical information. Because of this
legislation the hospital will no longer be producing the clergy list of
patients, nor will the hospital be able to supply any information whatsoever
to the churches.

As a result, our pastors and hospital visitors will no longer receive any
information from Centre Community Hospital. This means that the church will
have no way to know you are hospitalized unless you tell us. Please, tell the
pastors or the church office if you know in advance that you will be
hospitalized. If you are admitted through the emergency room please ask a
hospital employee, family member or a friend to call the church.'"