Patient Rights & Responsibilities

The patient has a right to:

• be treated with respect and dignity and to be provided with courteous, considerate care.
• be informed about the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of the health problem in terms that can be understood.
• know the chances that treatment will be effective and to know the possible risks, side effects, and alternative methods of treatment.
• receive confidential treatment of his or her disclosures and medical records and, except when required by law, to be afforded the opportunity to approve or refuse their release.
• know who is responsible for providing treatment.
• have access to a second medical opinion before making any decision.
• decide not to be treated, but to be informed of the medical consequences of refusal.
• participate in decisions involving the health problem.
• be informed of the personal responsibilities involved in seeking medical treatment and maintaining health and well-being thereafter.
• privacy.
• have access to resource persons and information concerning health, education, self-care, and prevention of illness.

The patient has a responsibility to:

• inform the provider of any changes in his or her health status that could affect treatment.
• adhere to a prescribed treatment plan and to discuss any desired change.
• act in a considerate and cooperative manner with Student Health and Counseling staff.
• ask questions and seek clarification regarding areas of concern.
• weigh the consequences of refusing to comply with instructions and recommendations.
• assist the providers in compiling a complete record by authorizing Student Health and Counseling to obtain necessary medical information from appropriate sources.
• keep appointments on time.
• cancel appointments only when absolutely necessary and far enough in advance so that other patients might utilize that time.