Student Health recognizes the right to privacy of each individual to whom health care is provided. Medical Records and Referral staff are responsible for preserving the privacy and confidentiality of patient information in all its stages of development and use. Medical information will not be released to parents, friends, faculty and administration, and future employers without an Authorization for Release of Medical Information signed by the patient. However, records may be shared in the event of a medical emergency (e.g. patient is incapacitated), if subpoenaed or required by law.

Students may sign a release of their medical records on a case-by-case basis. A blanket medical information release is discouraged. What you might want to release to a third party now, you may not want to release at a later date. You will need to sign a release form each time you want new information released from your records. In most cases a medical power of attorney will not be permitted to obtain patient records.

Our staff will assist patients by processing requests to release or obtain health information and by managing patient referrals (sending a patient for medical tests or to a specialist outside of the SH). Our staff will coordinate the process by ensuring a signed records release authorization is on file, finding a doctor that participates with your insurance, scheduling an initial appointment and sending medical information pertaining to your referral, if applicable.

All persons presenting for medical care for the first time will be asked to indicate their consent for treatment and acknowledge receipt of the Notice of Privacy Practices. The Notice of Privacy Practices is available on our website and at the SH Front Desk.