Patient Rights and Responsibilities
As a patient of the Student Health Center, you have the RIGHT to:
.....respect and dignity.
We will treat you with courtesy and dignity. We will respect your cultural, psychosocial, spiritual, and personal beliefs and preferences.
.....access medical care responsive to your unique needs.
We commit to providing medically necessary care and treatment within the published hours and scope of services of the Student Health Center. This includes access to language translation services if needed. Service animals, as defined under the ADA and California law, are permitted to accompany you in the Student Health Center. After-hours and emergency care options will be provided. You have the right to know the name and credentials of the licensed healthcare practitioner providing your care, as well as the right to request a different provider if other qualified providers are available.
.....discuss and participate in your health care decisions.
As a patient of the Student Health Center, we will provide you with clear information about your medical condition (diagnosis), your prognosis, and treatment options (alternatives) including risks and possible side effects. Should you be medically unable to receive such information, we will provide information about your care to a person designated by you. If your diagnostic or treatment plan includes additional fees, these will be clearly communicated to you along with our payment policies.
.....informed consent.
You have a right to make informed decisions about the treatment that you receive. You have a right to decline diagnostic evaluations or treatments, including formulating advance directives.
.....privacy and confidentiality.
You have the right to confidential treatment of all communications and records pertaining to your care. You will receive a separate Notice of Privacy Practices that explains your privacy rights in detail and how we may use and disclose your medical information. You have the right to have your personal privacy respected. Check-in, case discussion, consultation, examination, and treatment are confidential and will be conducted discreetly. Should you utilize telehealth for your appointment, your provider will conduct your virtual visit in a private area on a secure computer and will never record your visit or share it publicly.
.....voice complaints or offer feedback.
We encourage feedback, positive or negative, from every patient that we serve. You are welcome to address comments directly to any staff member, the Senior Director of the Student Health Center, the Associate Director of the Student Health Center, or online via our patient comment survey https://sonoma.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6Jsm0xrXUzSzOxU.
As a patient of the Student Health Center, you have the RESPONSIBILITY to:
.....keep your appointments.
We ask that you be on-time for your appointment and/or notify the Student Health Center 24 hours in advance, if possible, if cancelation or re-scheduling becomes necessary.
.....communicate actively.
It is essential that you provide a complete and accurate personal health history including past and present medical conditions; current symptoms and concerns; allergies; sensitivities; health-related behaviors; and the medications, nutritional supplements and other substances that you use. Should you utilize telehealth for your visit, you should be in a private location with no distractions, and on a secure computer with good internet access. Please inform the SHC of any living will, advance directive, medical power of attorney, or other information that could influence your care.
.....engage in recommended treatment and your overall health management.
We ask that you consider your provider's advice and follow the treatment plan that is recommended. This includes notifying your provider if you are unable to keep an appointment or follow medical guidance. If indicated in your discharge instructions, please designate a responsible adult to provide transportation home. If you participate in a virtual visit, we require that you identify two responsible contacts that we may contact in case of an emergency. Should your medical needs fall outside the scope or hours of operation of the Student Health Center, it is your responsibility to seek timely medical treatment off campus.
.....understand and accept the consequences of refusing or not adhering with treatment.
.....do your best to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
This includes, but is not limited to, things such as getting plenty of sleep, avoiding the abuse of drugs, not smoking or vaping, limiting or avoiding alcohol use, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise.
.....accept financial responsibility for any charges, promptly pay fees, and return borrowed equipment in good condition.
.....be considerate of other Student Health Center patients and personnel.
Be considerate and respectful of those around you, including to those providing care or receiving it. The use of cell phones in the Student Health Center is allowed, but they may not be used in any capacity that might compromise patient privacy.