This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please ask if you have questions.
Your health information is important and confidential. Protected Health Information includes demographic information and medical information about you which relates to your past, present and future physical and mental health. We follow protocols to assure the security and confidentiality of this information. Access to your information is limited to those who need it to perform their job.
General Permission:
Your presence at the Health Center requesting care is interpreted as a consent to use and disclose your health information to treat you, obtain payment for that treatment where applicable and conduct our regular Health Center operations.
- Treatment- We may share your health information with doctors and nurses who are involved with your care. These health professionals may be in a hospital or another doctor's office where you are receiving care.
- Payment- If you have the Student Health Insurance Plan we will submit medical information to your insurance company to be reimbursed for immunizations you received at the Health Center.
- Regular Health Center Operations- We may disclose your information to other entities such as your health insurance company to obtain prior approval for a dignostic test. We may also submit your information to a laboratory so they can collect a fee from your insurance company for testing ordered by us and performed by the them. We use your health information to remind you of appointments or contact you about test results.
Special Circumstances When We May Disclose Your Health Information:
- Emergencies or Public Need- We may use or disclose your health information in an emergency or for important public needs such as national security. We may disclose your health information to public health authorities that are authorized by law to collect information for the purpose of maintaining vital records, such as births and deaths; reporting child or adult abuse or neglect, reporting communicable diseases or reactions to drugs.
- Health Oversight Activities- We may release your information to government agencies authorized to conduct audits, investigations and inspections of our facility.
- Legal Proceedings. We may disclose your health information in response to a court or administrative order, if you are involved in a lawsuit or similar proceeding. We also may disclose your health information in response to subpoena.
- Law Enforcement. We may disclose your health information to law enforcement officials for compliance with court orders or laws that we are required to follow, to assist law enforcement officers, or if you have been a victim of a crime.
- Military. We may disclose your health information if you are a member of U.S. or foreign military forces (including veterans) and if required by the appropriate authorities.
Directed Release:
Your health information may be disclosed to a party other than those listed above if you so direct. Student Health Service requires written authorization for this purpose. The authorization provides us with information about the individual you authorize to receive your health information and the purpose for which the information is being disclosed. A special authorization is required for mental health, substance abuse and HIV related information.
A written authorization has an expiration date. You may also revoke written authorization at any time, except to the extent we have already relied upon it. To revoke an authorization please contact Student Health Service.
Your Health Information Rights
Requests for the following are to be submitted in writing to the medical records department of the center at which you receive your medical care:
- You have the right to inspect and/or obtain a copy of your health information.
- You have the right to request that we amend your health information if you believe it is inaccurate or incomplete.
- You have the right to receive an accounting that identifies persons or organizations to which we have disclosed your health information.
- You have the right to request that we contact you in a way that is more confidential for you, such as at home instead of at work. We will try to accommodate all reasonable requests.
- You have the right to name a personal representative who may act on your behalf to control the privacy of your health information. Parents and guardians generally have the right to control the minor’s health information unless the minors are permitted by law to act on their own behalf.
File a Complaint. If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with us or with the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.
No one will retaliate or take action against you for filing a complaint.
