Responding to Immigration Enforcement Activities

Dear Medical Staff,

Given current events in Southern California and across the country, I want to reinforce that privacy, patient access, quality care and workplace safety remain our priorities. We are committed to maintaining a welcoming and secure environment for all. 

Safeguarding Privacy 
Without patient consent or appropriate legal authority (for example, a court order or a duly authorized search warrant), Providence will not knowingly disclose any patient's identity to DHS/ICE agents, as doing so could violate privacy laws protecting protected health information and personal identifying information.

Our Commitment 
Providence facilities remain committed to protecting personal health information and caregiver personnel records, and to providing a safe environment in accordance with applicable law and our values of dignity and justice. 

Action Steps for Caregivers 
Caregivers in patient care environments have specific action steps to take if DHS/ICE agents request access to patients or patient information. If approached by ICE agents or law enforcement officers, please move the conversation to a private location and escalate the situation to a supervisor or security immediately. Please reach out to your core leader if you have questions. 

At Providence, we see health care as a fundamental human right. We serve all community members without regard to legal or socioeconomic status and believe everyone deserves quality health care. Our facilities are places for healing where everyone can expect to be treated with compassion and respect. 

Brian Helleland
Chief Executive
Providence St. Joseph Hospital & 
Orange County/High Desert, South Division