Olin Health Center staff want patients to be aware of their rights in regard to health care. Patients should also be aware that along with rights come responsibilities. A set of specific patient rights and responsibilities has been identified and is posted throughout the health center, and is spelled out below. A copy may be requested at any reception desk.

Olin Health Center strives to provide health services to its patients in an atmosphere of mutual respect. This philosophy is expressed in the following policy statement.

All Patients Have the RIGHT:

• To be treated with respect, consideration and dignity.
• To be protected from embarrassment or invasion of privacy.
• To expect that personal convictions and beliefs will be taken into account when seeking help, and convictions and beliefs of the provider will not adversely affect appropriate care.
• To expect care given by appropriately qualified professionals.
• To complete information, to the degree known, concerning diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and any significant treatment alternatives of the illness or health-related condition.
• To participate appropriately in decisions regarding health care.
• To have access to the information contained in the medical record, within the limits of the law.
• To confidentiality regarding disclosures in regards to records, and to the opportunity to approve or refuse, in writing, the release of information, except when required by law or when life is in danger.
• To information regarding the scope and availability of service. This includes information on services, hours of access, provisions for after-hours care, and emergency coverage.
• 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.
• To full information regarding appropriate channels for expressing grievances and making evaluations.
• To know organizational policies regarding experimental research, and the right to refuse to participate in such research without jeopardizing access to care.
• To accept medical care or to refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law, and to be informed of the medical consequences.
• To have their pain assessed and to have it treated.

All Patients Have the RESPONSIBILITY:

• To provide, to the best of their ability, full information needed in order to assure proper evaluation and care.
• To follow instructions concerning medications, follow-up visits, and other essential steps in their treatment plan, and to notify provider if plan cannot be followed or if problems develop.
• To ask sufficient questions to ensure appropriate comprehension of their illness or condition, as well as recommendations for continuing care.
• To provide feedback regarding their perception of policies of the health services, especially when there are any questions about professional or humane quality of care given.
• To avail themselves of educational opportunities offered through Olin Health Center, and to employ knowledge and experience gained towards developing a healthful lifestyle.
• To show respect for health service personnel.
• To keep appointments or notify the Health Center in advance if an appointment cannot be kept.
• To make payment, or arrangement for payment, of service fees.
• To contact their insurer to ascertain whether services are covered by their plan at Olin Student Health Center.