About Us

Patient Rights

Your health is a private matter between you and your provider. Your medical information will only be released by your written request and signed release (unless permitted by law). Feel comfortable knowing what you say at SHWC will stay in SHWC.

Patients Have the Right to:

  • Be treated with respect, consideration, dignity and afforded privacy.
  • Communicate in the language or manner that you primarily use.
  • Complete information concerning your diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
  • Participate in decisions involving your health care.
  • Information concerning the scope and availability of services.
  • Information regarding any fees for services and payment policies.
  • Expect care given by qualified professionals. The practitioner's name and professional qualifications should be visible or stated on introduction.
  • Complain about treatment or medical care and have a fair review of that complaint.
  • A second opinion regarding diagnosis or treatment or request a change in provider. (Note: consultation outside of Student Health & Wellness Center is the financial responsibility of the patient.)
  • Confidentiality regarding disclosures in regards to medical records and to the opportunity to approve or refuse, in writing, the release of information, except when required by law or when life is in danger. Your medical records will be kept in a secure environment.
  • Refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law, and to be informed of the medical consequences of that refusal.
  • Be informed of any research aspect of your care and refuse to participate. A refusal will not jeopardize your access to medical care and treatment.
  • Change providers upon request.

Patients Have the Responsibility to:

  • Provide complete and accurate information about your health, medications, over-the-counter products and dietary supplements and any allergies or sensitivities.
  • Follow the treatment plan prescribed by your provider and participate in your own care.
  • Provide a responsible adult to transport you home if required by the provider.
  • For his/her actions if he/she refuses treatment or does not follow the health care provider's instruction
  • Accept personal financial responsibility for any charges not covered by insurance.
  • Keep appointments or notify Student Health & Wellness Center in advance if an appointment cannot be kept.
  • Behave respectfully toward all Student Health & Wellness Center staff, as well as other patients.
  • Provide information concerning any living will or other directive which may impact your care.
  • Request language assistance as needed. 

Confidentiality of Records
All interactions with Student Health & Wellness Center are private and every employee at SHWC has been trained in confidentiality. SHWC will not disclose your medical information to any individual (including your parents), organization or facility without your written permission for us to do so.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law that requires that we notify all SHWC patients of our Notice of Privacy Practices. This notice explains your right to: Inspect and copy your medical records; request an amendment/addendum to your records; view an account of disclosures of your private health information; request restrictions to release of your medical information; request confidential communications with you.

Advance Directives
An advance directive is a written or oral statement about how you want your medical decisions made should you not be able to make them yourself. You are encouraged to review information about them. If you already have advance directives in place, be sure to give a copy of them to your provider and they will be placed in your medical record. A copy of an advanced directive can be found here.

E-Mail
To help ensure privacy, patients are cautioned against sending sensitive, detailed personal info through email. You are encouraged to make an appointment to speak with your provider directly.


If you feel your rights have not been respected, you can:
Submit feedback to SHWC for any clinic
Contact Tampa campus:  813-974-2331
Contact St. Petersburg campus: 
727-873-4422 (option 1)
Contact Sarasota-Manatee campus: 813-974-2331