Student Health Center (SHC) Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Every student will receive optimal care in a non-judgmental manner without regard to gender, race, national origin, sexual orientation, religion or disability. Every student will have the right to privacy and confidentiality FERPA. Students will need to give written authorization for the release of health records to parents or others. Students are responsible for notifying parents, guardians or professors regarding health problems except in extreme cases. We have a satisfaction survey that we use to determine if students are satisfied with our services.

• You have the right to quality healthcare.
  
  
• You have the right to be treated with respect, consideration, and dignity.
  
  
• You have the right to be treated in a manner that does not discriminate against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, or veterans status.
  
  
• You have the right to request a specific healthcare professional.
  
  
• You have the right to participate in decisions concerning your healthcare.
  
  
• You have the right to accurate information concerning diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of an illness or health-related condition.
  
  
• You have the right to a second opinion or referral.
  
  
• You have the right to privacy during medical care.
  
  
• You have the right to confidentiality of all communications with staff and confidentiality of your medical record, and the right to approve or refuse release of information to the fullest extent provided by law.
  
  
• You have the right to refuse recommendations for medical care.
  
  
• You have the right to refuse to participate in any research program.
  
  
• You have the responsibility to arrive as scheduled for appointments and to notify the University Health Center in advance in case of canceled appointments.
  
  
• You have the responsibility to ask sufficient questions to ensure that you understand your illness or problem, as well as your provider's recommendations for continuing care.
  
  
• You have the responsibility to provide full information about your illness or problem to assure proper evaluation and treatment.
  
  
• You have the responsibility to either follow treatment and education recommendations, or accept responsibility for the outcome.
  
  
• You have the responsibility to become informed, through available printed material and/or discussion with University Health Center staff, regarding the scope of basic services offered, their cost and the necessity for additional medical insurance.  You will be responsible for any charges not covered by health insurance. 
  
  
• You have the responsibility to communicate with your healthcare provider if you do not respond to treatment satisfactorily.
  
  
• You have the responsibility to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
  
  
• You have the right and responsibility to bring forward suggestions or grievances about the University Health Center by completing a Patient Satisfaction Survey, by sending an email to the Practice Director at studenthealth@southalabama.edu or by contacting the QI Coordinator. This includes the right to receive a personal response.
  
  
• You have the Responsibility to behave respectfully toward all healthcare professionals and staff, as well as other patients and visitors.