Privacy, Rights and Responsibilities

RISD Privacy Statement, Patient Bill of Rights, and Responsibilities

Privacy Statement

We, at Rhode Island School of Design (“RISD”) Health Services, are committed and dedicated to providing our patients with high quality healthcare. Maintaining patient privacy and confidentiality is our top priority and a standard of quality that all of our employees uphold. Our staff is bound by state and federal laws regarding disclosure of any patient’s Personal Health Information (“PHI”). Health Services employees will not disclose PHI to RISD faculty, staff or any other parties, unless there is a serious danger to yourself or others or required by law.

Patient Bill of Rights

As a patient, you have the right to:

Be treated with consideration, dignity, and respect at all times.
Confidentiality of all medical records and communications to the extent provided by law.
Receive considerate care that is respectful of your personal, cultural and spiritual beliefs.
Know the identity of the health care professional interviewing and/or examining you.
Be examined by your doctor or other healthcare provide in private.
Speak to your healthcare provider in private.
Appropriate assessment and management of your symptoms.
Have your health care needs explained and questions answered in terms that you understand.
Know your diagnosis, prognosis, testing, and treatment plan in terms that you understand.
Participate in decisions involving your health care.
Be informed of common side effects of your medication, when prescribed.
Know what other health care or treatment is available to you.
Choose or change your provider at your discretion.
Be assured of the confidential treatment of disclosures and records and to have the opportunity to approve or refuse the release of such information, except when release of information is required by law or is necessary to safeguard you or the RISD community.
Participate in the consideration of ethical issue(s) that arise in the provision of your care.
Refuse to be examined or treated and be informed of the consequence(s) of such decisions.
Know the contents of your medical records.
Request your medical records and have them given to you.
An interpreter, if one is needed.
Know you are safe and can trust Health Services to support and/or protect your health care needs.
Know you will receive the best possible care honoring your health care choices.

Patient Responsibilities

As a patient, it is your responsibility to:

Be forthcoming to health care provider(s) regarding your medical and mental health history and all pertinent health information including but not limited to current symptoms, pain, and/or medication, to enhance their ability to make an accurate assessment, diagnosis, and treatment plan.
Take an active interest in your own health outcomes and goals by asking questions about your condition and the treatment plan outlined by your provider.
Work with your provider to optimize your health care outcome by following the treatment plan or adjusting the treatment plan with your provider accordingly.
Keep appointments or otherwise timely contact Health Services to cancel or reschedule appointments.
Understand your health insurance policy, including lab work, outside provider referrals or hospitalizations, whether provided through RISD or a private insurance company.
Be respectful of others privacy.
Treat Health Services staff and providers with dignity and respect at all times.