Submitted by: Mary Pohlmann , Student Health Service, Southern Illinois University, maryp@siu.edu

"The Patient Rights and Responsibilities (PRR) statement is included in our Student Health Programs Brochure. This brochure is given to every patient. The PRR is also posted in every patient exam room, waiting room, and any other offices where patients are seen (ie. insurance, administration).

Patient's Rights and Responsibilities

• Patients will be provided with appropriate privacy.

• Patients will be provided, to the degree known, complete information concerning their diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. If it is medically inadvisable to give such information to a patient, the information will be provided to a person designated by the patient or to a legally authorized person.

• Patient disclosures and records will be treated with confidentiality, and except when required by law, patients will be given the opportunity to approve or refuse the release of such disclosures and records.

• Patients will be given the opportunity to participate in decisions involving their health care, except when such participation is contraindicated for medical reasons.

• Patients will be informed of their right to change primary or specialty physicians if other qualified physicians are available. Patients have the right to a second opinion.

• Marketing or advertising regarding the competence or capability of the organization will not be misleading to patients.

• Information will be available to patients and staff concerning: patient rights, patient conduct and responsibilities, services available at the Student Health Programs, provisions for after-hour and emergency coverage, fees for services, payment policies, the right to refuse to participate in experimental research, and methods for expressing grievances and suggestions to the organization.

• Patients have the responsibility to be on time for their appointment and treat the SHP staff with courtesy.

• Patients have the responsibility to provide accurate information to the practitioner, complete the treatment plan agreed upon, and return for follow-up appointment when necessary.

• Patients have the responsibility to notify the SHP as soon as possible and at least two hours before the scheduled appointment time when canceling an appointment.

Go to the menu of selections in the Winter 1996 issue of CQ.