Confidentiality and medical records
The information placed in medical records is protected. Records are strictly confidential and not released to anyone unless:
- The student or his/her legal agent provides Health Services with written authorization to release information; this authorization to release medical information must be separate from a request to release other records, such as a transcript or placement folder.
- Health Services receives an official court-ordered subpoena demanding medical information, or when ordered by a Judge.
- The student has a communicable disease which is reportable by law.
- Abuse of children
- Imminent harm to self or others
- Security clearance (i.e. FBI, CIA, etc.)
Recording Policy
To protect the privacy of patients and employees, Health Services prohibits the recording or live broadcast of patients, patient representatives, employees, and visitors without their knowledge and explicit permission.
Even with explicit permission obtained, recordings are limited to personal use only and cannot be posted or stored on social media, or in any publicly accessible domain.
*Please reach out to [email protected] for the full policy
Destruction of records
Records are destroyed in accordance with the State University of New York Records Retention and Disposition Manual.
No-Show, Late, and Cancellation Policy
It is the goal of Health Services to provide excellent care to each student in a timely manner. It is also the policy of Health Services to monitor and manage appointment no-shows and late cancellations. If it is necessary to cancel an appointment, students are requested to call (315) 312-4100, or cancel on the patient portal at least 24 hours before their appointment time. Notification allows Health Services to better utilize appointments for other students in need of prompt medical care.
“No Show” shall mean any student who fails to arrive for a scheduled appointment.
“Same Day Cancellation” shall mean any student who cancels an appointment less than 24 hours before their scheduled appointment.
“Late Arrival” shall mean any student who arrives 10 minutes or more after their expected arrival time.
Medical excuses for missed classes/exams/assignments
Health Services has a long-standing policy that excuses for missed classes, exams or assignments are not written by Health Services personnel. Class attendance is an administrative matter between the student and the instructor. This policy is supported by ACHA (American College Health Association) .
Medical withdrawal
Petition for medical withdrawal will be reviewed by the Director of Health Services. The student's written permission is necessary for release of medical information.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Testing
NYS law requires that all patients presenting to a health care facility be offered an HIV test. This law went into effect on September 1, 2010. Therefore ALL students receiving care at Health Services are offered the opportunity to have an HIV test. Testing can be billed to insurance or done in house. There is a minimal fee charged for in-house HIV testing. Students may opt in or out. Students are encouraged by Health Services staff to be tested for HIV.Students will receive information at the time of their visit about this policy and the benefits of testing for HIV.
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
- The best current medical evidence indicates that restrictions need not be placed on the employment, enrollment, or residential status of people with AIDS, whether they are symptomatic or not, if their health enables them to perform the duties and activities required as students or employees. Special accommodations for people who are immunologically compromised will be made on an individual basis. Students seeking accommodations shall present documentation to the Director of Student Health Services and/or Accessibility Resources.
General principles informing this policy are the health and safety of all individuals; the right to privacy; the need to respond flexibly on a case-by-case basis; and adherence to the recommendations of the Surgeon General of the U.S. Public Health Service and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The university considers AIDS a medical condition falling within the definition of a disability in the Human Rights Law. Discrimination based on AIDS will not be condoned in the Oswego community.
Infectious Disease Outbreak
In the event of an infectious disease outbreak, the university contingency plan will be implemented by the Director or designee of Student Health Services. Specific members of the university contingency team will be notified. Collaboration with Oswego County Health Department, NYS State Health Department, and/or Center for Disease Control (CDC) will follow research based protocols. Communication updates will be managed by SUNY Oswego Office of Communication and Marketing.
Grievance Procedure
Health Services aims to provide the best support and service possible to our students, as well as our community stakeholders. As a client of Health Services you are entitled to engage in a dispute resolution process in the event you have a complaint about the provision of services. Please refer to our grievance procedure form.
Medical Abortion
Public colleges must provide students with access to medication abortion prescription drugs. Effective 8/1/23, under the new law, campuses must provide access by either:
“Employing or contracting with individuals authorized to prescribe medication abortion prescription drugs within their lawful scope of practice pursuant to title eight of this chapter” or
“Providing students with information and referrals to providers authorized to prescribe medication abortion prescription drugs within their lawful scope of practice.”
Please refer to Section 6438-B on the NYS Senate webpage.