Confidentiality

With the exception of the staff at Jefferson Health Services, no Jefferson faculty, staff, or administrator has access to student health records without written permission from the student, or in emergency situations as prescribed by the law. 

We cannot disclose student health information to anyone (including parents or guardians) other than the student, without the student's written permission (consent). 

We are able to release your information only:

• If you give written permission (consent) to disclose information. Students, you may request specific medical records information, to be disclosed at your discretion, with each visit to Student Health Services.
• If you present a danger to yourself and/or someone else.
• In certain (very rare) legal situations, the Student Health Services staff may be required to disclose information, as necessary to comply with the law.  Every effort will be made to maintain confidentiality.

Communicable Illness
If a student is diagnosed with a communicable illness that poses a possible threat to the University community (e.g. meningitis), a general memo may be sent to those at risk for exposure to the illness per the recommendation of the Philadelphia Health Department. Efforts will be made to protect the infected student’s identity. The University cannot assume responsibility for deductions and assumptions made by others but will make every effort to anticipate and address any concerns.

Students are encouraged to discuss any concerns regarding their confidentiality with the staff of Student Health Services.