Gunnison Valley Health (GVH) is committed to protecting patient information
and complying with all applicable laws. This document explains how GVH
responds to requests for information from law enforcement, including federal
immigration authorities.
Release of Patient Information
GVH does not release patient information unless:
• The patient (or authorized representative) provides permission,
or
• Disclosure is required or permitted by law, such as through a valid
court order, subpoena, or warrant
All disclosures are limited to the
minimum necessary information.
Immigration-Related Requests
GVH has procedures to manage requests from federal immigration enforcement agencies.
• Requests are reviewed by designated GVH personnel
• GVH does not voluntarily provide patient information without a valid
legal basis
• Appropriate legal documentation is required before any disclosure
Documentation of Requests
For immigration-related requests, GVH documents:
• The name of the requesting officer
• The agency represented
• The officer’s badge number
• The legal documentation provided (e.g., warrant, subpoena, or court order)
Notification to Patients
GVH will notify a patient if their information is requested by federal
immigration enforcement
when
appropriate and legally permitted.
Notification may be delayed or not provided if:
• Disclosure is restricted by law or legal process
• Law enforcement directs that notification not occur
• Legal counsel advises against notification
Access to GVH Facilities
GVH distinguishes between
public and
nonpublic areas:
•
Public areas include general waiting and registration areas open to the public
•
Nonpublic areas include department-specific waiting rooms, patient care areas, treatment spaces,
and other restricted locations (badge-access only areas, locked areas)
Federal immigration enforcement officers may:
• Access public areas without a warrant
• Access nonpublic areas
only with a valid judicial search warrant
Arrest warrants do not authorize entry into nonpublic areas.
Limits on Information Collection
GVH does not collect the following information about a patient unless required
by law or necessary
for specific purposes (such as verifying eligibility for services):
• Immigration or citizenship status
• Place of birth
• Immigration documents
Availability of Policies
GVH maintains policies and procedures addressing these topics in accordance
with Colorado law.
Applicable materials are available upon request.
If you have any questions please contact GVH Privacy Officer
970-641-7265.
