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Patient Rights and Responsibilities

The University Health Center recognizes its responsibility to respect the basic human rights of all patients who seek treatment here. It also defines the responsibilities of patients of the University Health Center.

To learn more about patient rights, responsibilities, and confidentiality please see the tabs below.

As a patient, you have a right to:

  1. Health care regardless of race, color, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, personal appearance, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status or on the basis of the exercise of rights secured by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.
  2. Be treated with respect for personal dignity and privacy.
  3. Confidentiality of medical records: State and federal law forbids the release of medical records without written consent of the patient, except in specific situations where law requires the University Health Center to release information.
  4. Know the identity of the health care and credentials of the professional providing services.
  5. Expect diagnosis, prognosis, and methods to be explained clearly.
  6. Be informed about any risk of mortality or serious side effects.
  7. The opportunity to participate in decisions related to your health care.
  8. Know what alternatives exist for health care and treatment.
  9. Refuse treatment or leave the UHC against your doctor's advice to the extent permitted by law and you have the right to be informed of the consequences of those decisions.
  10. Request information regarding:
    • your rights as a patient,
    • your responsibilities as a patient,
    • available services 
      • Hours of operation
    • provisions for after-hours and emergency coverage,
    • fee schedules for services, payment policies, and explanation of your individual bill, and
    • data contained in your medical record.                                                   
  11. Treatment by the health care provider of your choice, to change providers, and/or be informed of specialists available for your health care needs.
  12. A second opinion or referral.
  13. Know if treatment involves experimental or research methods and the right to refuse to participate.
  14. Know if the examination is by a health professions student and the right to refuse.
  15. Expect reasonable environmental safety practices.
  16. Expect marketing and advertising techniques that are not misleading.
  17. Bring any violation of these principles to the attention of the UHC Executive Staff by emailing health@umd.edu
  18. Request Advance Directive Materials from the State of Maryland and have the University Health Center honor the Advance Directive, unless otherwise countermanded by the patient.

Email comments, questions, or concerns to: health@umd.edu

The University Health Center staff care for ill and injured members of the community. We recognize that to be effective, the effort must be a partnership.  The patient and the health care team work together for a common goal. Patients will be expected, to the best of their ability, to assume a share of the responsibility for their health care.

As a patient, you have the responsibility to:

  1. Provide information about past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, Advance Directive and other matters relating to your health.
  2. Cooperate in the treatment plan recommended by the UHC personnel caring for you.
  3. Ask questions to ensure understanding of your health problem(s) and treatment.
  4. Accept personal responsibility for refusing treatment.
  5. Consult a medical provider at the UHC if your health problem does not follow the expected course.
  6. Keep appointments or call the UHC when you cannot keep a scheduled appointment.
  7. Stay informed regarding UHC services, hours of operation, and status of your health insurance.
  8. Be prompt in your payment of bills, provide the information necessary for insurance processing, and be prompt about asking questions you may have concerning your bill.
  9. Be respectful of others, of other peoples' property, and that of the UHC.
  10. Abide by University Health Center rules and regulations.

Email comments, questions, or concerns to: health@umd.edu

All services provided to students are confidential. The UHC will generally not release information to outside parties (including parents or family members) without your permission unless the law allows us to do so.  A full description of our Privacy Practices can be found here

The University Health Center staff are trained annually on privacy practices.  We comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) or Federal Educational and Privacy Rights Act (FERPA), depending on which legislation is relevant to a particular situation.

To file a complaint related to HIPAA or FERPA please contact our HIPAA COMPLIANCE OFFICER.

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