Policies & Patient Resources

Patients Right & Responsibilities 

The University Health Services Patients Right and Responsibilities page provides guidance for what is expected of patients and what rights you have as a patient. Please review this document so we can provide you with the best possible care. 

Confidentiality

All medical records at University Health Services are strictly confidential. Information about a student's care will be released only with the student's written permission. Learn more about University Health Services confidentiality practices and read our Notice of Privacy Practices. 

Medical Records

University Health Services (UHS) Health Information Management (HIM) department oversees the management of all medical records for patients. Learn more about how to request your medical records. 

Policy for Verification of Illness

University Health Services does not provide verification of illness forms for minor or routine illnesses or injuries, such as colds, and flu-like or gastrointestinal illnesses. The University Health Services policy is consistent with the Faculty Senate Policy 42-27; Class Attendance. 

For routine illness-related absences, students should correspond directly with the faculty as soon as possible regarding their situation, ideally, before they miss a class, exam, or other evaluative activity.

University Health Services may provide verification of illness forms for significant prolonged illnesses or injuries lasting at least a week resulting in absence from classes. 

When appropriate, students may request the verification during their clinician visit or send a secure message to their clinician or the Advice Nurse through myUHS. If a student wants a verification of illness from University Health Services and has received care from an outside provider for a significant, prolonged illness, he/she must provide appropriate documentation to the University Health Services director, 502A Student Health Center, 814-865-6555.

Faculty Questions

If a faculty member has questions about a specific student, they can call the University Health Services administration office at 814-865-6555. However, due to patient confidentiality, we cannot release any information without the student’s consent.

University Health Services Fragrance-Free Policy

Fragrance allergies are fairly commonplace. As a health care facility, the Student Health Center wishes to prevent unnecessary discomfort and illness for our visitors and staff. During visits to this facility, please refrain from the use of fragrances such as perfume and cologne. Thank you for helping us provide a healthy environment for all visitors and staff.

Please let the reception staff know if you suffer from a fragrance allergy.

For some, allergic reactions may be rather mild, while in others they can be quite intense. Some common allergic reactions include:

• Eyes watering
• Sneezing
• Constriction of throat
• Headaches
• Hives and rashes (mostly in contact with skin)
• Difficulty in breathing
• Dizziness and nausea
• Itchy skin
• Runny nose
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Asthma attacks
• Rising of bile
• Funny taste in the mouth
• Tingling of lips
• Joint and muscle pain (in certain cases)
• Eczema (on contact with skin)