The federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) are both designed to protect an individual’s
privacy. FERPA applies to the privacy of education records. HIPAA applies to the
privacy of health records.
Although Student Health Services (SHS) provides healthcare to students and generates
private health information (PHI), it is not considered a HIPAA entity. SHS is funded
by student health fees and does not bill directly to insurance companies for reimbursement,
therefore, it is covered by FERPA. This prevents the disclosure of any records or
information generated in SHS without the student’s consent.
Student Health provides similar services to an urgent care center, but has a much
lower visit fee. The care at SHS is uniquely different than that of a traditional
medical center, such as urgent care. Students are treated holistically at SHS. Not
only is their presenting problem managed, students are screened for depression and
other issues, such as exercise, nutrition, sleep, substance abuse, and social areas,
when relevant. However, an urgent care center does have a place in healthcare. There
are times when a student may be referred to urgent care, for example, to have an X-ray.
It is best to call SHS first and ask which option would be best.
SHS has a dispensary which supplies medications to students that have been prescribed
by a provider in SHS. The SHS dispensary does not fill prescriptions that have been
written by an outside provider. There are several local pharmacies that students
can visit to pick up a medication prescribed by an outside provider.
SHS cannot transport students. SHS will determine the best mode of transportation
if a student needs to be referred elsewhere. There are times when an ambulance will
need to be called, but most times students can travel via Uber or Lyft. If SHS recommends
transportation by Uber or Lyft, the student may be reimbursed for the cost of the
ride by submitting a receipt to SHS.
Although most states require a parent or guardian to consent to treatment if a patient
is under 18 years of age, there are statutes in place that give minors the right to
consent to treatment in specific situations. For example, attending college away
from home creates a situational emancipation which allows a minor to consent to treatment
on their own behalf.
There are doctors present in SHS for several hours a day Monday-Friday.
SHS provides basic medical care for conditions such as colds, flu, gastrointestinal
illness, sore throat, allergies, headache, injuries, acne, urinary problems, and more.
SHS has a lab that can run rapid tests for strep, mono, flu, blood glucose, and urinary
tract infections. Gynecological exams are available for vaginal problems or for routine
well woman visits, including pap smears and birth control. Sexually transmitted Infection
(STI) testing is available for both males and females. Suturing and minor surgical
procedures are available at discretion of the staff. Phlebotomy (blood draws) and
IV fluids are able to be done if ordered by the SHS. Outside lab requests are not
performed. SHS is unable to do X-rays, EKGs, or any invasive procedures.
SHS does not apply health insurance to the services provided. The fees for services
and testing are very low in comparison with other healthcare settings. Health insurance
can be used for the payment of some laboratory testing in SHS, if applicable. A student
can also use their health insurance at a pharmacy to pay for medications prescribed
at SHS.
It is helpful if students have several common over-the-counter medications available
to them in their rooms. Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen are good choices for pain or
fever management, along with a thermometer. Benadryl is helpful in case of an allergic
reaction. Students should bring other medications that they take on a regular basis
with them.
If a student is believed to be involved in a health or safety emergency, the person
designated as the emergency contact on file may be notified.
There is a dispensary in SHS which supplies medication that is prescribed at the time
of visit. There are also convenience stores on campus, in Lawrence Hall and Sykes
Student Union, which supply some common over-the-counter medications.
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Strauss, L. J. (2016). HIPAA versus FERPA. Journal of Health Care Compliance, 37-38.
Wise, R. A., King, A. R., & Miller, J. C. (2011). When HIPAA and FERPA apply to University
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