All healthcare organizations should issue an authorized media policy.

The policy should detail the boundaries the organization's employees should respect when they deal with the press, the public or other media. The policy is variously described as a media relations policy, an information policy or a communications policy.

At Media-policy.org we provide basic online guidance for anyone tasked with putting together a new media policy or modifying an existing policy.

Samples of typical policies are provided below.

It's important that, in addition to having a policy that all employees or members of the organization adhere to, a person should be nominated who has prime responsibility for media liaison. That person should be trained in how to handle the press.

When representatives of the press make contact, often they are pursuing a story where they have preconceived ideas and have already decided to place a certain "spin" on events. The preconceived "spin" may be to the detriment of your organization. Most politicians have been trained to deal with hostile, leading questions in a manner that lessens controversy. Although it can be frustrating to listen to politicians in interview situations, they are usually masters of not providing a quote that the press can use in a damaging headline. Your organization should have a media contact able to deal with media questions clearly, honestly, with good humor and the ability to answer questions to best represent your interests.

Willis-Knighton Health
According to hospital policy, the Department of Marketing and Public Relations has the responsibility and authority to manage communications with the media. The full cooperation of all hospital departments and personnel is critical to achieving our communications goals. Our policy includes cooperation with representatives of the news media in legitimate news-gathering activities, being mindful of legal concerns and patient confidentiality issues. Paramount in all of our activities with the media is the health and well-being of our patients and their families; this must take precedence over our obligations to the media.

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
The goal of this policy is to be as open as possible. Reporters need to be greeted with open arms when they call your office. All employees are encouraged to talk with reporters about their areas their expertise. But, if you aren't comfortable talking with reporters, no one is going to make you. If you don't want to talk to the media, please refer them to the public affairs office or someone who is comfortable talking with the media. Don't ignore the media call. You should provide reporters with factual information only. Don't speculate or give opinions. Stick to your area of expertise. Feel free to refer the reporter to other people with different areas of expertise.

Rhode Island Department of Health (pdf)
Print and broadcast media are critical partners to the Department in our mission to inform the public and disseminate a variety of public health messages. Reporters call the Department daily, looking for data and information about things like health care regulations, pending legislation and budget information, food safety, and disease outbreaks. The Public Information Officer (PIO) is the main interface with the media and is responsible for approving all information for release to the media. All calls from the media are filtered through the PIO as is all information going out.

Pheonix Children's Hospital
All interviews of Phoenix Children's Hospital staff and faculty/employed physicians by media, whether by phone, e-mail or in person, require advance authorization from the Communications Department. While on the campus of Children's Hospital, a Public Relations staff member must escort members of the media at all times to ensure the security and privacy of our patients and families. All parents or guardians of patients under 18 must sign a consent form before a patient may be videotaped, photographed or interviewed. Patients at least 18 years of age may provide consent for themselves.

Gloucestershire Partnership NHS Trust Board(pdf)
This Media Relations policy has been developed to ensure that Partnership Trust staff, managers and Board members understand the Trust's approach to media relations. The policy establishes the basis of the desired relationship with the local, regional and national media, one that is 'Open, effective and positive'. The duty of care and protection of patient's right to privacy, dignity and confidentiality must come first on every occasion. Media contact must not detract from the primary purpose of care delivery and the duty of care must not be detrimentally affected by media activity.