Patient's Rights & Responsibilities

The Alvin V. Blount Jr. Student Health Center patients have a right to:

 Humane Care and Treatment All staff members in SHC will treat you with respect, dignity, and consideration, and without discrimination as to race, color, religion, gender, age, ability, national origin, economic status, or political beliefs, and with consideration of your cultural, social, and religious preferences.

Participate in Your Health Care and Treatment You are a full partner in your healthcare. You have the right to complete the current information necessary to make an informed decision about procedures and treatments, including the refusal of care and/or resolution of any conflicts about care decisions. You have the right to change providers at your discretion. Providers will educate you regarding their diagnosis and treatment of condition or illness and appropriate preventive measures.

Conflict Resolution The Assistant Vice Chancellor of Health and Wellness, the Counseling Center Director, and/or the SHC Medical Director ensure that your questions, complaints, and concerns are heard, and appropriate actions taken to attempt to resolve the conflict. Other SHC staff members may be involved in this process.

Know Your Health Care Providers The name and function of any person responsible for your care and anyone involved with your care are provided to you. Specific information about staff training, credentials, and experience is available to you through the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Health and Wellness. Information regarding SHC staff is posted on the SHC website.

Privacy and Confidentiality The patient is provided appropriate privacy and has the right to personal privacy, at check-in, evaluation, and in treatment areas. All case discussions, consultations, examinations, and treatments are confidential and will be conducted with discretion. The specific information about your health history and current health status contained in your health record is not released to any individual without your written consent, except where permitted/required by law, in compliance with Privacy Standards outlined in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 and the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). To the degree that it is known, patients are provided with information concerning their diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, and prognosis. When it is medically inadvisable to give such information to a patient, the information is provided to a person designated by the patient or to a legally authorized person.

Access Student Health Center has accessible entrances, doorways, restrooms, water fountains, and elevators to ensure access for all. Alternative communication means are available for individuals with hearing or speech impairments. Interpreters are available from Disability Center and other University resources to assist patients experiencing language or communication barriers.

Accurate Information You will be given complete and accurate information, to the extent known, concerning your diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for illness, injury, or any other health-related condition.

Security of Self and Others You have the right to feel safe and secure when you are in the Student Health Center. Your valuables and belongings are protected and secured to the best of our ability during your visit.

Fee Information You have access to information about fees for the services you receive. An itemized statement of charges can be provided to you at the end of your visit for the services you have received. You may ask questions about the cost of services at any time. Fees for typical services can be provided upon request. The SHC Business Services Coordinators and Insurance Department can assist you with questions regarding charges and fees.

Assistance with Preparing Advance Directives Information about state and legal requirements and referral to appropriate resources are provided, should you need to prepare an advance directive. Student Health Center recognizes advance directives.

Participation in Research Projects You have the right to know if any aspect of your care is being used for research, investigational studies, or clinical or experimental trials. SHC does not conduct such research. However, de-identified information may be used to support the research of others involved in the mission of the University. Your authorization is sought in advance and you have the right to refuse to participate without jeopardy to your healthcare.

Pain Management You have the right to communicate any issues of pain or pain management with your medical provider. All concerns about pain issues are taken seriously and addressed appropriately.

Patients Responsibilities:

Communicate with Your Health Care Provider It is important that you provide full, honest, and accurate information about your illness or condition to allow proper evaluation and treatment. Let your healthcare provider know if your condition worsens or if your recuperation does not follow the expected course for recovery.

Ask Questions Ask specific questions about your current illness or other health problems, your healthcare provider’s treatment recommendations, and additional treatment costs.

Voice Your Concerns Your comments, complaints, and ideas are valued and can be submitted in person, in writing, Patients Satisfaction Survey, or via a web-based form (Grievance Form). Each concern is reviewed and considered by the appropriate SHC staff.

Treat Others Courteously SHC staff members and other patients are people, too; please treat them with the courtesy and respect they deserve. Failure to do so could result in refusal of care and/or university sanctions i.e., Student Conduct.

Use Medications Properly Take medications prescribed for you in the manner in which they are prescribed. Do not give medications prescribed for your needs to others.

Pay For Any Charges You Accrue Patients are informed of the need to accept personal financial responsibility for any charges not covered by insurance.