A Healing Place Without Fear: Protecting Patient Trust in Changing Times

Welcome back, dear colleague!

Not long ago, the role of a clinician was seen as straightforward—diagnose, treat, and care for patients. But today, the reality is more complex.

Recent changes affecting protections around sensitive locations—hospitals, schools, and places of worship—have added new layers of concern. Patients who already face barriers to care may now hesitate to seek help, fearing that the very places meant to provide safety and healing are no longer secure. This puts clinicians in a difficult position, balancing their medical responsibilities with the need to reassure and protect their patients in ways that go beyond medicine.

In this evolving landscape, the challenge is clear: how do we uphold our duty to care when the spaces designed for healing become places of uncertainty?

What You Need to Know

On January 20, 2025, the Trump administration rescinded policies that previously restricted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions in healthcare settings. This change could have drastic implications and consequences, from increased patient fear to direct ICE encounters and unpleasant experiences on hospital premises.

How This Impacts Healthcare Providers

There could be an increased hesitancy to seek care. As a certain number of immigrants and their families will probably avoid seeking medical care, this will lead to negative health outcomes and delayed treatment.
There is a greater risk of ICE actions in healthcare facilities. Healthcare institutions may face new challenges in interactions with ICE agents. That is why understanding legal rights and setting up protocols is essential.
The need for staff training and creating protocols has increased. Providers should ensure staff is informed about patient rights and the facility’s legal obligations regarding ICE actions.

Keeping Healthcare Safe for Everyone

Healthcare professionals are on the front lines, not just of medicine, but of trust—ensuring that every patient, no matter their background, feels secure walking through the doors of a clinic or hospital. How do you make sure patients focus on healing, not fear?

According to the helpful resources provided in this article from Health Begins there is a clear list of steps healthcare facilities, leaders and clinicians should take. The first thing is to understand the law and regulations concerning immigration. 

Knowing your rights and your patients’ rights is the first step. Clinicians and healthcare staff are not obligated to comply with ICE requests for patient information unless presented with a court-signed warrant (not an administrative one).

Given that your healthcare institution may be the subject of the next ICE action, preparing for a potential ICE raid should be your next course of action. While hospitals must allow ICE agents in public areas, they can restrict access to private spaces and protect patient confidentiality. Clear policies, staff training, and posted notices can help protect patients.

Protecting your patients also means protecting their data. Healthcare providers should avoid collecting or documenting patients’ immigration status unless required by law. Patients have the right to decline being listed in hospital registries. Specific locations require healthcare facilities to ask patients about their immigration status, but patients aren’t obliged to answer. 

The Road Ahead

The current political climate requires healthcare professionals to advocate for their patients, ensuring that fear does not become a barrier to seeking care. By understanding legal rights, strengthening policies, and providing accurate information, clinicians can help protect some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.

🔗 Stay informed and access resources HERE.

When Clinicians Speak Up, Everything Changes

Here’s the thing—clinicians have always been game-changers. Look back at history, and it’s clear: when they come together, big things happen. Policies shift, working conditions improve, and entire healthcare models get reimagined. Not because someone handed them power, but because they stood up, spoke out, and made things move.

Fast forward to today, and the stakes are just as high. The world is unpredictable, and healthcare is at the center of so many social battles. Advocacy isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a tool, a necessity, a way to create real change. But let’s be honest: it’s also intimidating. Too many clinicians feel like they’re shouting into the void, uncertain if their voices matter or where to even begin.

Here’s the truth: they do matter. And history proves that when clinicians step up together, the impact is undeniable. So the real question isn’t if they should get involved—it’s how.

This is where the Courageous Clinicians Community comes in. Our community is built on the belief that clinicians are uniquely positioned to advocate for structural change, because no one understands the realities of healthcare better than those working there. That’s why we don't just talk about injustices and barriers, we also train clinicians, teach them about strategies, networks, and provide support needed to overcome challenges.

So, how about this: If you’ve ever felt the weight of an unjust system, if you’ve ever questioned why outdated policies persist, if you’ve ever wanted to transform frustration into action—this is your moment. Change isn’t a solo effort. It takes a village, and it takes courage.

Join the Courageous Clinicians Community HERE.

Until next time,

People Power Health Team