Patient Bill of Rights & Responsibilities

The Student Health Care Center recognizes its responsibility to respect the basic human rights of patients who seek treatment here, regardless of race, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or sources of payment for care. The SHCC actively encourages patients to assume responsibility for their own health and welfare. In order for health care to be effective, the patient and the health care team must form a partnership, with both working together for a common goal. As such, the SHCC observes the following:

Rights and responsibilities of all SHCC patients:

• SHCC patients are treated with respect, consideration and dignity.
• SHCC patients are provided with appropriate privacy, including protection from access to their confidential information from faculty and staff who are not responsible for direct health care, and by other students working at the health service.
• Disclosures of information and records of SHCC patients are treated confidentially. SHCC patients are given the authority to approve or refuse release of records and information in compliance with applicable laws of the State of Florida and the federal government.
• SHCC patients are provided, to the degree known, complete information regarding their diagnosis, 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.
• SHCC patients are given the opportunity to participate in decisions involving their health care, whenever possible.
• Information is available to SHCC patients and staff concerning:
  • SHCC policy on the rights and responsibilities of patients
  • Eligibility of patients for services, defining services covered by prepaid student fees and those requiring additional fees
  • Services available at the SHCC and how to use them
  • Provisions for emergency care during and after hours
  • Payment policies for pharmacy and additional services fees
  • SHCC patients’ rights to refuse to participate in experimental research
  • Conduct and responsibilities of patients, including the consequences of refusing treatment or not complying with therapy
  • Methods for expressing grievances and suggestions to the SHCC
  • Policy on the treatment of a minor not accompanied by an adult, consistent with applicable federal and state regulations
  • Advance directives, as required by state or federal law and regulations
  • The credentials of health care professionals
• SHCC patients have a right to competent, humane treatment, with appropriate respect for their opinions and beliefs in the process of receiving health care.
• SHCC patients are informed of their right to change primary or specialty health care providers if other health care providers are available.
• SHCC patients have the right not to be misled by marketing or advertising regarding the competence or capabilities of the SHCC.
• Prior to receiving care, patients are informed of patient responsibilities. These responsibilities require the patient to provide complete and accurate information to the best of his/her ability about his/her health, any medications, including over-the-counter products and dietary supplements and any allergies or sensitivities.
  • Patients should follow the treatment plan prescribed by his/her provider.
  • Patients should provide a responsible adult to transport him/her home from the facility and remain with him/her for 24 hours, if so required by his/her provider.
  • The patient should inform his/her provider about any living will, medical power of attorney, or other advance directive that could affect his/her care.
  • Patients should accept personal financial responsibility for any charges not covered by his/her insurance.
  • Patients should be respectful of all health care providers and staff, as well as other patients.
• SHCC patients have the responsibility to use identified methods of expressing grievances and suggestions, whenever indicated, rather than remaining silent, in order to assist the SHCC in improving the quality of SHCC health care and educational services.
• SHCC patients have the responsibility to keep appointments or to telephone the SHCC when a scheduled appointment cannot be kept.
• SHCC patients have the responsibility to abide by Student Health Care Center policies and regulations.