• Home
• General Info
  • Main
  • Location
  • Parking
  • Contact Information
  • Email a Question
  • Insurance
  • Costs
  • Staff
  • Patient Rights
  • Forms, Data, and Reports
  • Self-Care Guide
  • Kudos & Comments
  • Other Health Sites
• Clinical Services
  • Main
  • Appointments
  • Immunizations
  • Class Excuse Policy
  • Exposure Reporting
  • Health Iowa
  • HIV Testing
• Health Iowa
  • Main
  • Fitness
  • Nutrition
  • Sexual Health
  • Stress
  • Substance Abuse
  • Tobacco Use
  • Educational Programs
  • Health Ninjas
  • Data
• Health Q&A

Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Policy

The Student Health Service (SHS) has a statement of Patient Rights and Responsibilities. It is the responsibility of all staff members of the Student Health Service to see that the rights of patients are respected and that patients are informed of their rights.

Procedure

1. Patient Rights and Responsibilities are posted in the first floor waiting room, across the hall from the scheduling desk and on the SHS web site. Patient Rights and Responsibilities pamphlets are available throughout the clinic.
   
   
2. The statement of Patient Rights and Responsibilities states the following:
1. Your rights include the right to:
1. Medical care without discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, or disability.
2. Be treated with respect, consideration and dignity.
3. Participate fully in all aspects of your care as a partner in your care.
4. Receive information about your diagnosis, medical condition, and treatment in terms that you can understand.
5. Be given an explanation of all procedures and to be informed about the outcome of your care.
6. Receive assessment and management of your pain including information about pain and pain relief.
7. Refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law and to be informed of the possible consequences of the refusal.
8. Know the names and professional titles of your caregivers and be informed if any of your health care providers are in training.
9. Request a change of your primary health care provider.
10. Obtain a second opinion if you choose.
11. Make informed decisions about your care or designate a representative to make decisions for you.
12. Receive information about advance directives, set up advance directives and have them followed.
13. Personal privacy.
14. Prompt, reasonable, and courteous responses to any request for services within the capacity of the SHS.
15. Receive care in a safe and secure environment, free from abuse or harassment.
16. Use interpreter services when needed.
17. Request a family member, friend, or personal partner be present during your appointment.
18. Confidentiality regarding your clinical and personal records.
19. View your medical records within the limits of the law.
20. An explanation of all items on your bill.
21. Express concerns or complaints regarding your care to SHS administration and participate in a formal grievance procedure.
2. You are responsible for:
1. Providing accurate and complete information about all matters pertaining to your health, including medications, past or present medical problems, and/or any perceived risks.
2. Communicating with your health provider if your condition worsens or does not follow the expected course.
3. Asking your doctor or nurse what to expect regarding pain assessment and pain treatment options.
4. Following the treatment plan or discuss with your provider reasons for not following the plan. Accepting the consequences of your decision if you choose not to follow instructions or advice.
5. Notifying a member of the health care team if you do not understand information about your care or treatment.
6. Informing your physician, nurse, or other health care provider if you are not satisfied with any aspect of your care.
7. Not lending your personal identification to others. This may lead to entries in the wrong medical record or errors in your treatment.
8. Keeping your medication secure and not giving medication prescribed to you to others.
9. Providing timely information regarding your health insurance.
10. Paying your bills or making arrangements with the SHS to meet your financial obligations in a timely manner.
11. Keeping your scheduled appointments or canceling your appointments as far in advance as possible, so that the time may be given to someone else.
12. Showing respect and courtesy to health professionals and other patients.
13. Respecting the rights and property of others.
    
    
3. Your Medical Records:
1. The records made by the Student Health Service (SHS) are held in the same strict confidence as in other health care settings. The entire medical record, including results of x-ray and laboratory reports, is the property of the SHS.
2. The chart is a legal document, and neither the student nor the SHS has the right to destroy or alter the record or any portion thereof.
3. Records are not shared with parents, faculty, administrators, or potential employers without your consent.
4. More information about your rights related to health information can be found in the brochure titled University of Iowa Health Care Privacy Notice. This brochure is available in the SHS waiting rooms and upon request.
4. The University of Iowa SHS is a University of Iowa (UI) organization that reports to both the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) Senior Associate Vice President for Medical Affairs and CEO and the UI Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Students. Information management systems are shared with UIHC. The SHS and UIHC are distinct University organizations and bill separately for their services. Students are responsible for payment for services received at each of these health care organizations.
   
   
5. For more information about your rights and responsibilities, contact the Administrative Office at SHS, 335-8392.

Page updated: 3/27/08