Confidentiality

The University of Connecticut Student Health Services (SHS) is legally and ethically obligated to protect every patient's right to privacy. Health records are strictly confidential and maintained in compliance with federal and Connecticut state laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

SHS will not release medical information to anyone, including family, parents/legal guardians, UCONN faculty/staff, or outside agencies, without the written authorization of the patient. Exceptions include life threatening illness/injury or those reasons required by law such as court subpoena or public health reporting requirements. In the case of a minor, the authorization of a parent or legal guardian is required to release medical records. In a medical emergency, only relevant health information will be released to another healthcare provider. If a patient wishes to release his/her records to another provider, the Authorization for Release of Health Information is available here.

If you have any questions regarding the release of health information, please contact:

UConn Student Health Services
HIPAA Privacy Officer
(860) 486-0747

Parent Notice about Confidentiality

Your student may visit Student Health Services for a variety of health concerns, and we know that you will want information about the status of their care. If your student is over the age of 18 years, we are required by law to keep that information confidential. We will be able to share information only with the written consent of your student, or in cases of an immediate threat to harm their self or others.

More about HIPAA and Privacy

HIPAA is the acronym for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. Starting April 15, 2003, organizations providing heath care and billing for their services throughout the country must abide by a federal law regarding the privacy of personal health information. The privacy regulations are a part of a greater body of law (HIPAA). This federal regulation provides the minimum safeguards for the security and privacy of health data. One component of the Privacy Rule is that we are required to provide you with a “Privacy Notice” that describes your rights under the Privacy Rule and how we might use your personal health information in our operations. The full notice is available at the link below. You may also pick up a copy of the Notice at the Medical Records Department of Student Health Services.

HIPAA Privacy Notice