I am not sure to what extent this recent Privacy Act holds, I would assume if the person is the spouse and say if they did insure the spouse from their company benefit/insurance company someone would have to sign agreement for responsible part for payment, though that isn't what this pertains to, I would think in cases where a loved one is being hospitalized and is most likely too irrational in thought to make decisions, that there would be some communication between parent, or spouse, in fact I know there is some communication, maybe limited but given to the relative, that close.
It is been years, but I remember information is not given out over the phone or mail unles some release is signed and even that probably changed. I just think there would be some sort of communication, cause say if something had to be done, radically and the patient is not really rational enough to make a decision one would believe the hospital/doctor would have to ask the spouse or parent for some kind of permission, no?
Like say if someone need electro shock therapy, or surgery but couldn't or wasn't able to speak for themselves I would think that some sort of permission was given.
I do not know all legalities of this stuff but just wanted to add to this. In my own heart I couldn't believe a spouse or parent would be left hanging as to patient's condition. I have a 2o year old nephew and the hospitals up to the present have given his mom, though he is of legal age and all, information and the docs have been in touch/consult with her, but perhaps different states in the US have slightly different rules?
Maybe someone can add to this thread on any info they have in a case like this?

BTW Thanks for your input and welcome to this wonderful website

In giving advice seek to help, not please your friend
SOLON