Patient Privacy at UVa Medical Center:
Rules for Pastoral Visitors
When a patient comes to the University of Virginia Medical Center, the Medical Center assumes an obligation to keep in confidence all that pertains to that patient. Information regarding the patient's admission, diagnosis and treatment, as well as personal and financial affairs, is private. Its confidentiality must be respected by all pastoral visitors.
Access to patient information is on a need to know basis only. Pastoral visitors may not read patients' charts. If you see or hear information about a patient as part of your visit, you must keep it confidential. You may not remove, duplicate or use patient information for any purpose, or disclose it to others.
Use discretion. During your visit, do not discuss patients in corridors, elevators, the cafeteria, or in any public area. Seek privacy as much as possible. If you have questions or concerns about a patient, ask a Chaplain. Contact chaplains at 924-2642 or page PIC # 1391.
Information in all possible forms is confidential, whether verbal, written, overheard, on the computer screen, or told to you by the patient.