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Media Policies

Requests for Interviews, Filming or Photographs

Members of the media interested in conducting interviews, filming, or taking photographs of staff, patients, or patients’ families must first contact Media Relations. Any member of the media visiting our locations must sign in at the Welcome Desk and will be escorted by a member of our Media Relations team while on campus. During normal business hours, call 202-476-4500. If you need help after normal business hours, please call 301-244-6760 and ask for the public relations staff member on call.

Release of Patient Information

Patients' and families' confidentiality and privacy are of the utmost importance to us. Information about the condition of a patient will be released only if the inquiry specifically contains the patient's name and the patient's legal guardian has authorized the release. Children’s National will not release a patient’s name to the media but we can confirm a patient’s name, age, sex, and one-word condition. Only a one-word condition, as recommended by the American Hospital Association, can be given to the media. For patient condition reports after normal business hours please, call 301-244-6760 and ask for the public relations staff member on call.

Patient Condition Definitions

  • Good – Vital signs are stable and within normal limits; patient is conscious and comfortable. The prognosis is good or excellent.
  • Fair – Vital signs are stable and within normal limits; patient is conscious. The prognosis is favorable but the patient may be uncomfortable or have minor complications.
  • Serious – Acutely ill with questionable prognosis; vital signs may be unstable or not within normal limits. There is a chance for improved prognosis.
  • Critical – Questionable prognosis; vital signs are unstable and not within normal limits; there are major complications and death may be imminent.

*Please note “stable” is not a condition.

Referencing Children’s National Hospital

When referring to Children’s National Hospital, please use the full name on first reference. “Children’s National” can be used in subsequent references. Do not use "Children's National Medical Center," "Children's National Health System," or abbreviations such as "CNMC" and "CNHS." If you have questions about how to cite Children's National or a department, please contact a member of the public relations team.