New and proposed changes to U.S. immigration policy have led to questions from immigrant and refugee patients about their rights and protections at Denver Health. This web page aims to inform patients about how Denver Health handles protected health information (PHI) and offers links to resources where you may find answers to other questions about your rights.
Immigration law and policy is complex and can be subject to rapid change. Denver Health does not offer legal advice and cannot act as a substitute for obtaining legal counsel. A separate resource provided by the City of Denver is available here and addresses legal questions that fall outside of our focus as health care providers.
With respect to the current Administration's expressed intent to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy, patients can find specific information at the Department of Homeland Security web site.
While we specifically discuss “immigrant patient rights” on this page, these rights apply to all patients at Denver Health.
Descargue el folleto informativo para pacientes inmigrantes o refugiados en español.
What Immigrant and Refugee Patients Can Expect at Denver Healthl
- Denver Health is a safe place for patients, and we protect all patient information. Personal health information (PHI) is protected by patient privacy laws and will not be shared with local police or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) unless it is legally required by a valid court order or warrant.
- All patients, regardless of immigration status, have the right to be treated for medical emergencies. Our emergency rooms offer care to patients regardless of their immigration status and regardless of their ability to pay for care. All patients regardless of immigration status have the right to receive medical care. Anyone with an emergency medical condition also has the right to an ambulance (emergency medical transportation) regardless of immigration status. If an ambulance is needed, dial 911.
- Denver Health believes every patient has the right to communicate in the language in which they feel most comfortable. To achieve this, the hospital offers medical interpreter support to patients 24/7 in more than 150 languages and dialects, including in-person, over-the-phone, and video remote interpretation options.
- Law enforcement officials may be present in patient treatment areas. Whenever possible, Denver Health will protect patient privacy and seeks to ensure that law enforcement access does not limit, interrupt or compromise patient care.
- For those who no longer wish to visit the main campus, Denver Health offers a network of community and school-based health clinics in locations throughout Denver. Children can access primary care — including immunizations, flu vaccines, etc. — at local school-based health centers, located in many Denver Public Schools. Call 303-602-8990 to find the nearest school-based health center.
- Denver Health offers a dedicated NurseLine, staffed by bilingual registered nurses and clinical professionals. Providers are available 24-hours-a-day and can quickly provide medical assistance and help patients know if they must be seen by a doctor right away. Call 303-739-1211 for the NurseLine.
- Routine medical care is important for health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and anxiety or stress-related issues. It is vital that patients stay on schedule with prescription refills, vaccines and checkups. If patients jeopardize their health, they could put themselves and their families at risk.
- Seeking emergency medical care is extremely important for severe injuries, such as broken bones, chest pain or sudden severe pain. Left untreated, injuries can quickly become life threatening. If patients jeopardize their health, they could be putting themselves and their families at risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What information am I required to provide to be seen at Denver Health?
Basic requirements:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Current photo identification (required for new patients; if valid ID previously scanned, not required)
- Proof of insurance (not required for emergency room or urgent care visits)
- If I do not have a Social Security card, will I be required to provide one?
No. You may be asked to include a Social Security number for your medical records, but neither a card nor number is required to receive care.
- Will I be required to share information about my immigration status with my health care provider?
No. Denver Health does not need this information to provide your care.
- Will the emergency room report me to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)?
No. Immigration officials are never notified if/when a patient seeks medical care. Patients who receive medical care have a right to privacy (as stipulated in the HIPAA law).
- Does Denver Health share my information with police or Immigration and Customs Enforcement?
Denver Health has a process in place when responding to lawful requests from law enforcement officers and remains committed to following applicable state and federal laws while providing the highest quality health care for its patients.
- If I’m not able to come to my child’s appointment, can my child still be seen? Can someone else take him or her to the appointment?
Yes. If you sign a DHHA “Power of Attorney for Treatment of a Minor” form, another friend or family member can take your child to his or her medical appointment. Such forms are provided at the hospital or community health center and must be filled out and signed at those locations. For information, please call the Denver Health Patient Advocates at 303-602-2915.
- Can I be deported if I’m pulled over on my way to the hospital?
Denver Health cannot provide you with legal advice on this or other legal or immigration matters. Please contact an immigration lawyer or immigrant rights organization to have your questions answered (details below).
- Can a hospital deny me or my child health care if I’m an unauthorized immigrant?
No. Hospitals are legally mandated to care for all patients who need emergency treatment, regardless of their citizenship or immigration status. Our emergency rooms, school-based health centers and family health centers care for all patients.
*** For questions about accessing health care and insurance, or specific immigration-related legal questions, a resource provided by the City of Denver is available here.