Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Confidentiality

All student records are confidential. For students over the age of 18, and for all students seeking care for sexual health reasons, no information can be released to anyone, including parents or legal guardians, without the student signing a release of information. Exceptions include in the case of a legal court order, to comply with public health laws, or in the event of a life- threatening situation.

Students under the age of 18 will always be notified of a parent/guardian request for information about their medical care before such information will be shared.

Release of information

Instructions on how to complete a release of information can be found online.

Consent to treatment and notice of privacy practices

The consent for treatment and notice of privacy practice is available for students once they make their first appointment at the Decker Student Health Services Center. Students can view this document prior to their first appointment.

Patient Rights and Responsiblities

The Decker Student Health Services Center is committed to providing students with health care in a manner that clearly recognizes individual needs and rights. To reach and maintain optimal wellness, students should work in partnership with their healthcare providers. It is within this collaborative framework that the following patient rights and responsibilities are identified. If, for any reason, you do not understand these rights or you need help understanding them, the DSHSC must provide any assistance necessary to clarify this information and make it understandable.

Rights

As a patient, you have the right:

To be treated with respect, dignity and consideration without discrimination as to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ability and sexual orientation.
To have all aspects of your care explained to you in understandable terms and any questions answered concerning your diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
To receive all information necessary to participate in decisions about your care and to give your informed consent to any diagnostic or therapeutic procedure.
To know the name and position of any DSHSC provider and to request a different provider if one is available.
To be assured of the confidential treatment of disclosures and records and to have the opportunity to approve or refuse the release of such information except when release of specific information is required by law or is necessary to safeguard you or the University community.
To refuse any medical treatment or procedure and to be informed of the consequences of such a decision.
To expect that your personal privacy will be respected by all DSHSC staff.
To receive information and/or guidance for continuing care to maintain optimal health.
To an explanation of any financial obligations or charges incurred at the DSHSC.
To express concerns and/or comments about the care and services you are receiving, without fear of reprisals, and to be responded to by the appropriate administrator.
To review your medical record according to Section 18 of New York State Public Health Law.
To refuse to participate in any research project.

Responsibilities

As a patient, you have the responsibility: