Confidentiality
In accordance with the Family Educational Right to Privacy Act (FERPA) students age 18 and older are considered to hold the privilege of privacy to any academic or health records.
Penn State Greater Allegheny Student Health Services assures that all healthcare providers adhere to ethical principles and codes of professional practice including patient confidentiality, privacy, dignity, and informed consent. Medical information is released only with the students written consent or by a court-ordered subpoena, however, information may be released when there is clear danger to a student, another person, or the Greater Allegheny Community. In this case, only relevant information will be released. This action is to ensure the safety of students and the Greater Allegheny Community. All medical records are secured and held in the strictest of confidence.
Health Services Policies
The University does not obligate itself for payment of medical services other than those provided by personnel employed or retained by the University and in facilities owned or contracted by the University. Dispensary care including the physician is free of charge unless otherwise indicated.
The student has a free choice of:
- Seeking medical help from any source he or she deems necessary at his or her own expense.
- Using the services provided by the University according to the following procedure: report to the nurse in the Health Center at the onset of an illness or injury. The nurse will evaluate, advise, or refer the student to the campus physician as required. The physician will see students by appointment or as needed.