At M Health Fairview, everyone is welcome. We know that recent news about immigration enforcement in Minnesota may cause worry or confusion for many people. Our hospitals and clinics are safe places where all people can get care, no matter who they are or where they come from.
- We follow strong privacy rules
- We protect your information
- We treat every person with dignity, compassion, and respect
Our promise to care for you does not change – ever, especially in uncertain times.
Fairview’s long-established policies guide how we respond when law enforcement is present, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Those policies are designed to protect patient privacy, safety, and access to care, while adhering to applicable laws. Fairview is required to follow all applicable laws when caring for patients who arrive at our care sites under custody of law enforcement.
To be clear:
- We do not allow ICE to circulate in our facilities
- We do not share patient or employee information with law enforcement without proper legal documents requiring Fairview to do so
- We protect patient privacy under healthcare law
- We provide care regardless of immigration status
- Our staff are trained to follow clear procedures to ensure care, safety, and confidentiality are protected
Our clinics and hospitals remain places where people can seek care without fear. Even in uncertain times – especially in uncertain times – that commitment does not change.
Frequently Asked Questions
There has been increased activity by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in our state. We know this may cause fear or confusion for many people. Even with this activity, our mission stays the same: we care for everyone with dignity, compassion, and respect.
Sometimes law enforcement — including ICE — may come to a hospital or clinic, such as when they have a patient in custody who needs medical care. If that happens, our staff follow clear rules and steps to keep everyone safe. We do not let ICE or any law enforcement into private patient areas unless it is necessary for patient care, such as when a patient in custody of law enforcement needs care or there is appropriate legal documentation that requires it. If a patient arrives under custody of ICE, like other law enforcement, they will be present while that patient receives care.
No. We do not share patient or employee information with ICE or any law enforcement agency unless they show a valid warrant or the law requires it. We follow strict privacy laws, including HIPAA, to protect your information.
No. We provide care to every person who walks through our doors. You can always come to our hospitals and clinics for help without fear.
If your loved one is in the custody of law enforcement and receiving outpatient care at clinic or in the emergency department (ED), visitors are not allowed. Patients with an extended hospital stay are allowed visitors at the discretion of the supervising law enforcement officer.
In many cases, yes. Pharmacies often allow a trusted friend, family member, or caregiver to pick up a prescription on your behalf.
They may be asked for the patient’s name and date of birth, and in some cases a signature or photo ID. For certain medications, especially controlled substances, additional identification may be required.
Yes. Pharmacists can use professional judgment to decide whether releasing a prescription is appropriate. If there’s an issue, ask what additional information might be needed or whether another option is available.
Yes. Many pharmacies offer mail delivery. For example, Fairview Pharmacy offers mail delivery for many prescriptions, which can reduce or eliminate the need to visit a pharmacy in person. Availability depends on the medication, and mail delivery takes time, so it’s best to ask a mail order representative what qualifies and how long it will take to get to you.
You can get started by calling 612-672-5261 or 1-866-377-6245 (toll free) to speak with a representative or get more information about mail services from Fairview Pharmacy.
Refills can be requested by phone, by mailing back the refill form included with your shipment, online at fairview.web.medrefill.org, or through the MyFairviewRx mobile app.
Your safety comes first. Our teams are trained on what to do if ICE is present. They follow long standing policies designed to keep care safe and private. Hospital leadership monitors the situation for new information and shares updates with staff to make sure everyone knows who to contact for support. If you are worried, our staff are here to support you and answer your questions.