News and Publications responds to media requests about patients in cooperation with the hospital's admitting staff. OHSU complies with the Oregon Code of Cooperation* regarding media interaction and patient care activities. This code balances the patient's right to privacy and well-being with the public's right to receive information.

The Oregon Code of Cooperation is published by the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems, with editorial contributions from area hospital administrators and care providers, and print and broadcast journalists. The code is a set of guidelines to help facilitate accurate, ethical and timely news corveray of medical and other health-related events.

Good: Vital signs such as pulse, temperature and blood pressure are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious, comfortable and there are no complications.

Fair: Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious and alert although may be uncomfortable or in pain and may have minor complications.

Serious: Vital signs may be unstable or outside normal limits. The patient is acutely ill or injured and may have major complications.

Critical: Vital signs are unstable or outside normal limits. There are major complications. (Most patients in an intensive care unit are considered critical until ready to be moved to a regular nursing unit.)

"STABLE" is NOT a condition.