Patient's Privacy Rights | Kean University

CONFIDENTIALITY

Communication between a student and our staff is confidential. A student’s health record is not part of his or her academic record. No information about a student will be released without the student’s prior written consent, unless there is a clear and present danger to an individual’s safety or the safety of others.

All persons employed by Kean University Student Health Services, including nursing, medical, administrative and student staff, are required to sign a Confidentiality Agreement. Any deviation from this policy will result in immediate dismissal and possible legal action.

PATIENT’S RIGHTS TO PRIVACY

To receive professional medical care as mandated by law without discrimination based on age, religion, origin, sex, sexual preference, handicap or diagnosis.

To receive an understandable explanation of your complete medical condition, recommended treatment and expected results.

To receive essential information in order to make correct decisions about your care, including specific details about medical alternatives.

To refuse medication and treatment after possible consequences of the decision have been explained clearly to you.

To anticipate that your personal privacy will be adhered to by the entire staff at all times.

To anticipate that all medical records will be kept confidential and only be released by your written permission. (Exceptions include subpoenas and/or court order, other law enforcement agencies, Department of Health and Senior Services, Centers for Disease Control, or life-threatening situations.) Immunization records must be available to state inspectors.

To receive the names and functions of all health care professionals and staff providing care. You may refuse to allow their participation.

To receive prompt access to your medical records. To request inspection, a letter must be submitted to the Director of Student Health Services.

To receive communication about your health care in your native language via a translator or computer-assisted translation if available.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS AS A PATIENT OR CONCERNS ABOUT THE QUALITY OF CARE OR SERVICE PROVIDED, YOU CAN REACH THE DIRECTOR OF STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES AT jhenson@kean.edu.

CONFIDENTIALITY FAQ’S

Do our health records remain confidential?
YES. All of your personal and health information is kept strictly confidential according to state and federal laws.

Can my parents have access to my health records?
No health information will be released by our health care providers or other staff to anyone, including your parents, without your prior written authorization.

When are my records released?
Your records are kept confidential except in the following situations:

When there is a risk of imminent harm to yourself or another person.
When there is a reasonable cause to suspect that a child, elderly person or mentally incompetent person is being abused, neglected or exploited.
When court of law orders information released.
When state law requires documentation of immunizations as a condition of attending Kean University.
Some illnesses have reporting requirements to the state. For more information, see the
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services Reporting Requirements.