Patient Rights & Responsibilities

The Department of Student Health and Wellness (SHW) is required to inform students receiving care and services of their rights and responsibilities as a patient. Not only is this a requirement, but we also believe it is important information for students to have as we partner together on ensuring they receive the best possible care and services. Please email SHW with questions.

Patient Rights 

1. You have the right to privacy and confidentiality regarding your care.
2. You have the right to expect that your medical records will be kept confidential, and that access to information about you will be limited to those legitimately involved in your care.  Your medical records will be released only in cases of medical emergencies, in response to court-ordered subpoenas, or to persons you specify with your written consent.
3. You have the right to access, request amendment to, and obtain information on disclosures of your health information in accordance with applicable SHW policies, laws and regulations.
4. You have the right to receive the necessary information to participate in decisions about your care including cost, risks, benefits, limitations of and alternatives to diagnostic and therapeutic modalities.
5. You have the right to refuse or give your informed consent before any diagnostic or therapeutic procedure is performed.
6. You have the right to information concerning diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of an illness or health-related condition.
7. You have the right to request a health care professional of a specific gender or particular treatment approach.
8. You have the right to be treated in a professional, courteous, and caring manner which does not discriminate because of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, military status (including active-duty service members, reserve service members, and dependents), national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation, veteran status, and family and genetic information..
9. You have the right to be treated in a safe, abuse-free environment.
10. You have the right to information regarding fees for services.  This includes being notified of what services may be involved, additional charges, the nature of the charges, and methods of payment.
11. You have the right to a second opinion and appropriate referral.
12. You have the right to express suggestions and concerns in an appropriate and respectful manner.
13. You have the right to know the names and positions of people involved in your care by official name tags or personal introduction.
14. You have the right to change providers if other qualified providers are available.
15. You have the right to a full explanation of any research or experimental procedure proposed for evaluation or treatment and the opportunity to give your informed consent before participating in a research study.
16. You have the right to request that services be communicated in your native language and efforts will be made to accommodate that request.
17. You have the right to appropriate assessment and effective management of pain.
18. You have the right to receive a copy of your current medication list.
19. You have the right to have advance medical directives honored by SHW when appropriate.
20. You have the right to receive considerate and respectful care in an environment that preserves personal dignity.
21. You have the right to have your cultural, psychological, spiritual, and personal values, beliefs and preferences respected.
22. You have the right to request a chaperone for any medical appointment.  Pursuant to SHW policy, a chaperone is required for certain sensitive exams (i.e. breasts, genitals, etc.).   Care will  be denied if you choose not to allow a chaperone to be present during such exams.
23. You have the right to choose the pharmacy that you wish to utilize.

Patient Responsibilities 

1. You have the responsibility to ask questions if you do not understand the explanation of your diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, or any instructions.
2. You have the responsibility to provide accurate information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications (including over-the-counter products, supplements, or vitamins), any allergies or sensitivities, substance use (even if illegal) and other matters that are related to your health.
3. You have the responsibility to accept the consequences for the outcomes of care, treatment, or services if you do not follow the proposed plan of care, treatment, or services.
4. You have the responsibility to follow instructions concerning medications, follow-up visits, education recommendations, and other essential steps in your treatment plan and to notify the health care provider if this plan cannot be followed or if problems develop.
5. When directed, you have the responsibility to provide a responsible adult to provide transportation home and to remain with you as directed by SHW staff.
6. You have the responsibility to behave respectfully toward all health care professionals and staff, as well as other patients and visitors.
7. You have the responsibility to arrive on time for appointments and to notify SHW in advance in case of cancelled appointments. Pursuant to SHW policy, you may be charged for late arrivals and cancellations.
8. You have the responsibility to follow all rules and regulations that are posted within SHW, on the SHW website, or as instructed by your care provider.
9. You have the responsibility to follow rules and regulations of the University of Virginia and Commonwealth of Virginia which forbid engaging in verbal or physical abuse, using alcohol or illegal substances, vaping, smoking or utilizing other nicotine/tobacco products, and carrying weapons of any kind while on University Property, including SHW.
10. You have the responsibility to have a health insurance either sponsored by the University or a comparable plan, be familiar with policy coverage and provide information necessary to process your insurance claims.
11. You have the responsibility to pay any charges billed to you.
12. You have the responsibility to help your health care provider assess your needs with respect to pain and to work with your health care provider to develop a pain management plan.
13. You have the responsibility to inform your pharmacist when having your prescriptions filled about other prescription and/or over-the-counter medications you are currently taking.

Updated 4/3/24