Client/Patient Rights and Responsibilities

We believe that a confidential, mutually respectful partnership between healthcare Providers and patients is the best way to develop and maintain optimal health. Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a patient is central to this partnership.

CLIENT/PATIENT RIGHTS – As a patient at Rutgers Health Services you have the right:
• To be treated in a professional, courteous, and caring manner that respects and appreciates differences related to race, color ancestry, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, personal values, age, disability, and economic, marital, military or veteran status.
• To have consideration shown to the psychosocial, spiritual, and cultural variables that influence perception to illness.
• To expect that Rutgers Health Services staff, within the capacity, stated mission, and applicable law, will provide a reasonable response to request for care, treatment, and service.
• To request the healthcare Provider of your choice or change your healthcare Provider, as well as to request a second opinion.
• To know who is counseling, caring for, and/or treating you. The Practitioner’s name and professional qualifications will be visible on an ID badge and/or provided through personal introductions.
• To receive information regarding diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, costs, and prognosis that will enable you to participate in decision making regarding care.
• To request that healthcare information be communicated in your native language by a confidential translator or through another resource.
• To decline treatment to the extent permitted by law, and to be informed of the consequences of making this decision. You will be provided with an explanation of the risks and benefits of a treatment or procedure, the alternatives to the treatment, and the consequences if no treatment is pursued.
• To privacy during care, treatment, and services, and to the confidentiality of communications and security of records pertaining to this care.
• To request that a chaperone be present during your exam.
• To review health records created and maintained by Rutgers Health Services regarding your care and treatment (please see the Rutgers Health Services Notice of Privacy Practices).
• To expect that your privacy will be respected and confidentiality protected. We do not release your healthcare information outside of Rutgers Health Services (including to parents, professors, potential employers) without your written permission except upon court order, as required by law (as in the case of certain communicable diseases and reports of child abuse), or as required in our judgment to protect you or others from physical danger.
• To a full explanation of any research or experimental procedures proposed for treatment and the opportunity to refuse to participate. Such refusal will not jeopardize your access to care and treatment.
• To receive an explanation of any charges billed by Rutgers Health Services.
• To confidentially express concerns or complaints regarding Rutgers Health Services. This may be done by using comment boxes, patient feedback surveys or through direct contact at health@rci.rutgers.edu.

CLIENT/PATIENT RESPONSIBILITIES – as a patient at Rutgers Health Services, you have the responsibility:
• To keep your appointment, or change or cancel it in a timely manner, to allow others in need to have access to a healthcare Provider.
• To provide full and accurate and information about your past health history and current health, as well as keeping the Provider informed about any changes in your health status that could affect your treatment.
• To actively participate with the Provider in creating and fulfilling a treatment and/or wellness plan, including completing medications and returning for follow up appointments. To follow the prescribed medication course and not give your medications to others. It is also your responsibility to notify the Provider if you are unable to comply with any part of this plan.
• To contact your healthcare Provider if your condition worsens or does not follow the expected course.
• To provide information necessary to process your insurance claims; this includes bringing your insurance card and student ID to each visit.
• To obtain health insurance that meets your needs and to understand what your insurance plan does and does not cover.
• To use services wisely, be aware of costs, and accept personal responsibility for paying all charges billed to you that are not covered by your insurance.
• To notify Rutgers Health Services in advance if special accommodations are required for evaluation or treatment.
• To inform your healthcare Provider about any living will, medical power of attorney, or any other directive that could affect your care.
• To be considerate and respectful of the rights of individuals, staff, and of Health Center property.
• To follow the rules and regulations of Rutgers Health Services.
• To understand that a person’s health depends on much more than Health Care Services. Patients are responsible for recognizing the impact of their lifestyle on their personal health.