The Wisconsin Hospital Association says nearly all hospitals appear to be tightening up on the release of patient information since the new rules took effect.
Reverend Dennis Andrews at St. Cecelia in Thiensville says until the rules, some hospitals would call area churches to notify them of parishioners who had been admitted.
All Saints Healthcare System says clergy are no longer allowed to look up patients on computers at St. Mary's Medical Center and St. Luke's Memorial Hospital, both in Racine.
Patients who give their permission are instead listed on a special directory for churches.
