Health Center

Patient Rights

Patient Rights Confidentiality

The Student Health Center regards all medically related information about you to be highly confidential. Your permission must be obtained before we may give information to anyone not directly connected with your care. This applies to your parents and University officials. Exceptions required by law include reporting certain communicable diseases, threats of suicide or homicide, or suspected abuse of children or elderly persons. For more information, see the privacy policy (Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act, HIPAA).

Ownership

The medical record is the property of the Student Health Center (SHC). As outlined by the laws of California, you have the right to review your medical record with your provider or designee and have a copy thereof if you so desire. For more information, see the privacy policy.

Understanding

You are expected to be an active participant in decisions regarding your health. You have the right to know and understand:

  • Our assessment of your problem.
  • What tests are being done and why.
  • The risks of any tests or treatments.
  • Alternatives, if any, and their risks.
  • The prospects for resolution of your problem.
  • The charges for your care.
  • The names, training levels, and credentials of SHC staff.
  • You may have access to other medical opinions before making treatment decisions.
  • You have the right to receive medical attention within a reasonable time period.
  • You also have the right to expect pleasant and courteous service.

As a consumer of the SHC's services, you have the following responsibilities:

  • Recognize that your health is a shared responsibility.
  • Be honest and direct in a courteous fashion about everything relating to your health care needs.
  • Be sure you understand your health situation. If not, ask.
  • Follow the prescribed plan. It is your responsibility to advise us if you cannot or will not follow the plan.
  • Report any changes in your health status.
  • Return to the SHC if your symptoms worsen or do not improve.
  • Be on time for your appointments.
  • Call the SHC if you cannot keep a scheduled appointment so another student can be scheduled at that time.
  • Inform the SHC of change of address, phone number, or enrollment status.
  • Respond to providers and staff with respect and consideration.

We are here to help you. As a patient, you also have the right and responsibility to provide comments and/or express concerns about the SHC system and/or its referral facilities and practitioners. There is a suggestion box in the waiting room and a Pepperdine University Customer Service Survey at the window. The Director of the SHC reviews all comments with guidance as needed from the Student Health Advisory Board (S.H.A.B.). The Dean of Students is also a valuable resource for additional information.