Patient Rights and Responsibilities

1. Every patient has the right to be treated in a professional, courteous, and caring manner without prejudice on any basis.  When the need arises, reasonable attempts will be made to communicate in the language of the patient.
   
   
2. Every patient has the right to request a health care provider of either gender or with a particular treatment approach and to review the provider's credentials and insurance coverage.
   
   
3. Every patient has the right to privacy during check-in, medical evaluation, and treatment.
   
   
4. Every patient has the right to confidentiality in all communications with staff, confidentiality of their medical records, and the right to approve of or refuse the release of information to the fullest extent provided by law.
   
   
5. Every patient has the right to participate in decisions concerning their care and are provided complete information regarding their diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, and prognosis unless contraindicated for medical reasons.  When medically inadvisable to provide information to the patient, the information is provided to a person designated by the patient or to a legally authorized person.
   
   
6. Every patient has the right to refuse recommendations for care and to request a second opinion or referral.
   
   
7. Every patient has the right to refuse to participate in medical research.
   
   
8. Every patient has the responsibility to arrive as scheduled for appointments and to notify the Health Center in advance to cancel or reschedule an appointment.  Patients are expected to be respectful of health care professionals, staff and other patients.  Patients are expected to provide a responsible adult to transport them home if required by their provider.
   
   
9. Every patient has the responsibility to provide complete and accurate information that can contribute to their diagnosis and treatment and to advise the provider of any advance directive(s).  This includes any medications, over-the-counter products and dietary supplements, and any allergies or sensitivities.
   
   
10. Every patient has the responsibility to follow treatment and education recommendations, or accept responsibility for the outcome.
    
    
11. Every patient has the responsibility to be informed through printed materials, questioning Health Center staff, or visiting the Health Center website to learn the Health Center services, costs, the need for health insurance, and accept personal responsibility for charges not covered by insurance.
    
    
12. Every patient has the responsibility to actively seek clarification of any aspect of their care, Health Center services, and costs that are not understood.
    
    
13. Every patient has the right and responsibility to bring forward suggestions and complaints regarding the Health Center.  Comments may be directed to the Executive Director of Health Services or to the appropriate State Boards.
    
    

Confidentiality

All health service records are confidential. A summary or copy of medical records will be sent to another health care provider or physician only when a written release is given by the student. Records are not made available to parents, SMU administrators, faculty, or staff without the patient's written consent. Records are available otherwise only when subject to court subpoena.

Complaints and Suggestions

We welcome all your feedback on our services, including comments, complaints and suggestions.  Please contact us by phone (214-768-2141) or email healthcenter@smu.edu