Patient Rights and Responsibilities

You have the right to:

  • Be treated with respect, dignity and consideration without discrimination as to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or veteran status.  
  • Information regarding your diagnosis and treatment in terms you understand.
  • Have questions answered, receiving information needed to give informed consent for any procedure or treatment.
  • Refuse treatment and be informed of alternative treatment options, and/or potential consequences for refusing treatment recommendations.
  • Know the names and titles of the people involved in your care and the right to change providers if other qualified providers are available. (note: if you want to change your mental health counselor, please contact Kathryn DeVinney, Assistant Director/Head of Counseling, to request a change)
  • Obtain another professional opinion regarding your medical or mental health condition. 
  • Privacy, including confidentiality of your medical and mental health records, will be released only with your written consent; or, without your consent in cases of life-threatening emergencies, for continuity of care with other medical or mental health services, or in response to court-ordered subpoenas.
  • Review your Nazareth University medical records with a clinician, providing sufficient notice to do so.
  • Express concerns or suggestions to staff of Health and Counseling Services and ask that your concerns be brought to the Director or Assistant Directors if your concerns are not fully addressed. 

You are responsible to:

  • Ensure New York State and Nazareth University required health information is accurate and up to date within the Student Health Portal upon enrollment. Communicate with staff of Health and Counseling in a timely manner if you are experiencing difficulty providing this information.
  • Provide accurate and complete information about your medical and mental health history and to inform clinicians of any changes in your health status that could affect your treatment.
  • Be responsible for knowing the names and dosages of medications you take and for knowing if you are allergic to medications, foods or environmental factors. If you cannot remember the names of your medications or dosages, you should bring the labeled medication bottle to your appointment or a copy of your most recent medical record.
  • Participate in your care and ask questions if you do not understand your diagnosis, treatment, prognosis or any instructions. 
  • Keep appointments or notify the staff as soon as possible if you are unable to keep an appointment.
  • Be respectful when communicating with staff.
  • Understand you are considered an adult (if 18 years or older) and we may not speak with a parent or guardian without your written consent;  However,  we may speak with a parent or guardian without written consent in the case of a life-threatening condition.
  • Be responsible for required fees for care incurred within Health and Counseling Services, or fees imposed off-campus for medications and ancillary testing including imaging, labs, specialist referral, or visits to urgent care facilities/hospitals emergency departments.
  • Provide at least 3 days advance notice for prescription refill requests and 5 days for completion of required paperwork (ie: medical clearance forms for work or internships).