Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Health Services recognizes that all patients are individuals with unique health care needs. Care is focused upon the patient's individual needs, and provided in a manner that is considerate and respectful of each patient's personal dignity.

Health Services Seeks to Provide:

• Comprehensive quality health care, at a reasonable cost, that includes observation and outpatient services, and provides for referral and consultative services where needed.
• Health education, predominantly in a non-classroom setting, to University students, the University community and to the broader community where appropriate.
• Medical consultation services to the University community, and maintenance of an appropriate administrative structure, policies and procedures, and competent staff to assure the fulfillment of these functions in a manner demonstrating respect and value for the beliefs of patients and staff.

Patients Have the Right To:

• Be treated with consideration, respect and dignity.
• Have consideration shown to the psychosocial, spiritual and cultural variables that influence their perception to illness.
• Expect that Health Services staff, within the capacity, stated mission and applicable laws and regulation, will provide a reasonable response to patients' request for service.
• Privacy during medical care and confidentiality of communications and records pertaining to their care.
• Approve or refuse the release of information from their medical record, except when law requires release, and to have access to information contained in the record within the limits of the law.
• Information regarding diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, costs and prognosis to enable them to participate in decision-making regarding care.
• Request a health care provider of their choice or to change their health care provider, as well as to request a second opinion or referral.

Patients Have the Responsibility To:

• Provide accurate and complete information about current and past illnesses, medications and other matters pertaining to their health.
• Follow the treatment plan recommended by their practitioner or express concerns regarding their ability to comply.
• Arrive as scheduled for appointments and to cancel in advance appointments they cannot keep.
• Become informed of the scope of basic services offered, the costs and the necessity for medical treatment.
• Actively seek clarification of any aspect of participation in Health Services programs and services (including cost) that is not understood.
• Bring forward suggestions or opportunities for improvement of Health Services. This responsibility includes the right to receive a personal response and an assurance of continual access to care.
• Patients are responsible for their actions if they refuse treatment or do not follow the practitioner's instructions.