HWC Confidentiality Policy

• The clinic at the Health and Wellness Center (HWC), its auxiliary, and its administrative staff will maintain patient privacy and confidentiality at all times.  Staff will:

  • Always ensure medical records are stored in a location only accessible to staff
  • Always ensure that patient assessments and treatments take place in a private location, closing doors or windows when necessary
  • Always encourage patients to seek medical advice and treatment at the HWC clinic instead of public areas
  • Always maintain a professional relationship with patients (students, staff, or faculty)
  • Never discuss information concerning one patient with another unless the patient has signed a consent form

  When sharing information between clinical staff and providers is necessary:

  • Clinical staff will discuss this with the patient and obtain signed, written consent
  • Share information in a private location
  • Share only information that is necessary

  The only exception to this policy is if there is an immediate safety issue for other patients, staff, or the public.  In such situations, the concern will be immediately directed to the senior nurse.

  If a student believes this confidentiality policy has been breached, she should write to the Dean of Students detailing the offense.