frontlinemedics posted:

1 I.C.E can now raid hospitals. Healthcare workers- here is what you need to know.

2 What Is an ICE Raid? ICE agents will go to a hospital without warning as part of an investigation into an employee or patient.

3 ICE agents are NOT police officers. But their uniforms may say “Police” or "Federal Agent. They may carry guns. Sometimes local police officers go with ICE agents on ICE raids

4 Medical providers can ONLY disclose a patient’s information to ICE/LEO if there is a court order/warrant/subpoena/summons **** issued by a judge. ****

If it’s an ICE agent WITHOUT a warrant, they must have an administrative request, such as a summons issued by a federal or state agency, like the Department of Homeland Security.

Otherwise, giving out patient information (even a name) is a HIPAA violation.

5 If they do have a warrant or administrative request, ASK TO SEE IT. They must let you examine the document. ICE agents RARELY have judicial warrants or requests.

Even if they have a warrant or an administrative request, you can refuse to tell them anything if doing so would jeopardize the patient, you as the provider, or others in the hospital.

You can ask them to leave the unit.

6 Please remember your oath during times like these. Immigration status should NEVER impact care.

It is up to us to protect our patients. We have to stand against this as a united medical community.