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PATIENT Rights and Responsibilities

Policy per FERPA & Federal and State Law

Policy:

University of North Florida (UNF) Student Health Services (SHS) provides guidelines defining the rights and responsibilities of patients while recognizing its responsibility to respect the basic human rights of patients seeking treatment here.

Purpose:

To protect the patients' rights and clarify responsibilities in order to promote quality health care and mutual goal setting between patients and providers. SHS actively encourages patients to assume responsibility for their own health and welfare.

Patient Privacy Notice

In order to view the Patient Privacy Notice for the University of North Florida Student Health Services, please click the link below:

Notice of Privacy Practices

A Patient Has The Right:
A Patient Has The Responsibility:

A Patient Has The Right:

To be treated with respect, consideration and dignity.
To appropriate privacy.
To personal safety and security within all SHS facilities.
To the identity, professional status and credentials of SHS health care professionals.
To confidentiality of his/her records and other protected health information. Disclosures and records are treated confidentially and the patient is given the opportunity to approve or refuse their release, except when release is required by law.
To have and express his/her own feelings and opinions.
To be listened to and taken seriously.
To receive reasonable access to care within the mission and scope of practice of SHS and in compliance with law and regulation.
To ask for information from health care professionals.
To know the effectiveness and possible side effects of all forms of treatment.
To be treated in a non-judgmental manner and to receive considerate care regardless of race, age, gender, nation of origin, disability, cultural, personal or religious beliefs or sexual orientation.
To be informed about procedures for expressing suggestions, complaints and grievances to SHS Administration and to receive a timely response to any filed grievance or report of a concern.
To complete information, to the degree known, concerning his/her diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, and prognosis. When concern for a patient's health makes it inadvisable to give such information, it is provided to a person designated by the patient or to a legally authorized person.
To receive assessment and support in the management of pain as an important part of treatment.
To care provided by licensed, credentialed health care providers who are subject to immunity within the scope of their employment with UNF as set out in Florida Statute 768.28 (available here, Florida Statute 768.28).
To not be misled by marketing and advertising regarding the competence and capabilities of SHS.
To change his/her provider if other qualified providers are available.
To information concerning:
- SHS Patient Rights and Responsibilities
- UNF Student Code of Conduct (see UNF Regulation 4.007)
- SHS Statement of Ethical Principles and Guidelines
- Eligibility for services, defining services covered by the prepaid health fee and those requiring additional fees.
- Services available in SHS and how to use them.
- Provisions for emergency care and after hours care.
- Payment policies for clinic services and additional fees for services.
- The right to refuse to participate in experimental research.
- Advance directives, as required by state or federal law and regulations.

A Patient Has The Responsibility:

To treat SHS personnel and other patients with respect, consideration and dignity.
To respect the privacy, rights and property of patients and staff.
To respect and follow SHS policies and procedures.
To give accurate and complete information about his/her health and medical history, including any allergies or sensitivities, any medications, OTC products or dietary supplements, and behaviors that are pertinent for care.
To report any changes in his/her health status promptly.
To assume an active role in his/her health care by participating in decisions regarding his/her health care and cooperating fully in treatment plans and follow-up agreed upon by the patient and health care professional, except when such participation is contraindicated for medical reasons.
To acquire accurate information about personal health as a basis for making informed choices.
To keep scheduled appointments or call early to cancel to avoid being assessed for a missed appointment.
To provide constructive feedback to the health care professional if he/she is not satisfied.
To accept any consequences of refusing treatment, for not complying with the treatment plan, or for failing to follow directions.
To accept personal financial responsibility for charges not covered by an accepted insurance carrier and to pay for services promptly or make arrangements to fulfill financial obligations. SHS submits charges to the patient's University financial account.
To report any grievance to the SHS provider or other SHS administrative representative.
To communicate the need for pain relief and to participate in understanding and managing pain as a part of treatment.
To help SHS improve its services by providing feedback about services, expectations and perceptions and an evaluation of care provided.
To inform SHS staff of any living will, medical power of attorney or other health directive that could affect his/her care.
To provide a responsible adult to transport him/her home from SHS and remain with him/her for twenty-four (24) hours, if required by a SHS provider.