The Patient Bill of Rights and Responsibilities

Earlham Health Services is committed to providing quality health care that recognizes the individual needs of the students. Healthcare professionals provide services, programs and wellness education to enable students to become well integrated in mind, body and spirit.

As a patient you have the right:

1. To receive considerate care that is respectful of your privacy, personal beliefs, cultural and spiritual values, without discrimination due to age, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, color. You will receive services and care that are medically indicated and within Health Services capabilities.
2. To be provided complete information, to the degree known, concerning your diagnosis, evaluation, treatment and prognosis. Explanations will be in terms that the student can understand. When it is medically inadvisable to give such information to the student, the information is provided to a person designated by the student or to a legally authorized person.
3. To have all the common side effects of a drug explained.
4. To know the contents of your medical records through interpretation by the provider.
5. To know who it is that is interviewing and examining you.
6. To have the opportunity to refuse care offered.
7. To seek health care provider/specialist off campus at patient’s discretion.
8. To have explained to you ways that you can prevent your medical problem from recurring.
9. To refuse to be examined or treated by health practitioners and to be informed of the consequence of such decisions. If you choose to refuse treatment or not follow the practitioner’s instructions, outcomes may be sub-optimal.
10. To be assured of the confidential treatment of records and to have the opportunity to approve or refuse the release of such information except when release of specific information is required by law or as necessary to safeguard you or the College community.
11. To be given the opportunity to participate in decisions involving your health care.
12. To participate in the consideration of ethical issues that arise in the provision of your care.
13. You have the right to present a concern or complaint with the knowledge that your care or service will not be jeopardized.

As a patient, you have the responsibility:

1. To provide Earlham Health Services with information about past immunizations, illnesses, hospitalizations and medications, including over-the-counter products and dietary supplements, and any allergies or sensitivities.
2. To follow the treatment plan prescribed and to ask questions if you do not understand the directions or treatment being given by a provider.
3. To provide a responsible person to transport them home from the facility and provide adequate observation as requested by their provider.
4. To inform their provider about any living will, medical power of attorney or other directives that could affect their care.
5. To accept personal financial responsibility for any charges not covered by their insurance.
6. To keep appointments or telephone Health Services within a reasonable time ahead if you need to cancel.
7. To be respectful of other’s privacy and property while in the Health Services.
8. To be responsible for recognizing the effect of lifestyle on your personal health. Your health depends not just on Health Services care, but in the long term, on the decisions you make in your daily life.
9. To bring forward suggestions or grievances, please contact Health Services by phone 765.983.1328 or email [email protected]