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Office of Student Health and
Counseling Services
609 Lee Street
University of TN at Martin
Martin, TN 38238
Phone: (731) 881-7750
Fax: (731) 881-7752
Director: Shannon Deal
shcs@utm.edu

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SHCS - Policies

 

Late Policy
Students who arrive more than 10 minutes late for their scheduled appointments will be rescheduled for a future date and time. Late students will not be permitted to reschedule for the same day.  Students being late causes other scheduled appointments to be delayed, and this is not fair to our other patients. Student Health and Conseling Services advises that students arrive 10 to 15 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment to ensure they have plenty of time to find parking, check in for their appointment and complete any necessary paperwork.
Excuse Policy
Student Health and Conseling Services encourages the development of responsible health care habits by holding students accountable for their decisions regarding class attendance.  Therefore, we will not issue notes, excuses or medical documentation of illness for routine clinic or counseling visits. However, in cases of severe illnesses or illness requiring an extended recovery period (for example: influenza or mono), we will provide a written statement. It remains the responsibility of the student to communicate directly with faculty.  All decisions about the impact of the absence on the student’s grade, as well as any arrangements for making up work are at the discretion of the instructor.
Email Policy
The staff of the Student Health and Counseling Services welcomes your contact. For this reason, we offer the following information to help you decide on the best method of communication. We also respect your privacy and time. Since we take your time and confidentiality very seriously, we consider it imperative that you understand the limitations of e-mail technology.   Your use of e-mail constitutes your acknowledgement of these confidentiality and security limitations.

E-mail is not an appropriate means of communication for medical or mental health advisement. Therefore, we do not offer on-line treatment, consultation, diagnosis or assessment. If you are a UTM student seeking assistance with a problem, please visit our office or call to make an appointment. We also do not accept e-mail requests for medical records or appointments.

We try to check our e-mail regularly; however, due to circumstances such as illness, university closing, vacation or the network difficulty, your message may not be received immediately. This means that our response may be delayed.  If you have a time sensitive question or request, you should consider calling our office at 731-881-7750.
Immunization Compliance Policy

The General Assembly of Tennessee requires first time students to provide proof of immunity or immunization for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and Varicella (Chicken Pox).  State law also mandates that incoming students be informed of risk factors and dangers of meningococcal disease and hepatitis B.

Please click here for complete policy information

Confidentiality Policy

Student Health and Counseling Services (SHCS) respects the right to privacy of all our clients and patients and we maintain strict confidentiality of health related information.  Medical and counseling records are only accessible to SHCS staff.  We do not share information regarding patient utilization, medical/counseling diagnosis, medical/counseling treatment or other medical/counseling information pertaining to a patient with any university employee outside of SHCS without written consent from the patient. Students can print a consent to release information by clicking here. Requests submitted by fax or postal service MUST be accompanied by a copy of a photo id.

SHCS complies with all applicable laws and professional standards relating to the privacy of patient information.  There are some exceptions, however:

    • The law obligates us to report suspected child abuse (sexual, emotional, or physical) and neglect to the proper authorities.
    • The law obligates us to report suspected elder abuse to the proper authorities.
    • We may be forced to release information if the client/patient is involved in court matters.
    • If there is an imminent danger or threat of harm to self or others, we will take necessary actions to prevent the threat or harm.  In some cases, this requires breaking confidentiality.

Patients and clients have the right to file a complaint or make inquires if they believe privacy rights have been violated.  Please contact one of the following:
Shannon Deal, APRN-BC, Director
Jenifer Hart, LMSW, Clinical Coordinator of Counseling Services

Patient/Client Rights and Responsibilities

Patient/Client Rights:

    • To be treated with respect, dignity, and consideration of the individual patient's/client’s cultural, psychosocial, spiritual, and personal values, beliefs, and preferences.
    • To be free from mental, physical, sexual, and verbal abuse, neglect, and exploitation while under the care of Student Health and Counseling Services.
    • To receive the best care available for your problem in a courteous and considerate manner without regard to national origin, race, age, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, disability, or illness.
    • To know the identity and professional status of individuals providing your care.
    •  To obtain from the provider, to the degree known, information concerning your diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, possible risks, side effects and alternative methods of treatment.
    • To be informed (along with your family when appropriate) about the outcomes of care, including unanticipated outcomes. 
    • To be informed of the personal responsibilities involved in seeking medical/counseling treatment and maintaining health and well-being thereafter.
    • To have your pain assessed, treated and managed appropriately.
    • To participate in decisions involving your health care and in resolving conflicts about care decisions.
    • To refuse care, treatment, or services in accordance with law and regulation and to be informed of the medical consequences of such action.
    • To refuse participation in research studies.
    • To confidential treatment of disclosures and records, and to approve or refuse the release of such information, except where release is required by law.
    • To a safe and accessible environment.
    • To have access to resource persons and information concerning wellness education, self-care and prevention of illness.
    • To receive an itemized statement of the services provided by Student Health and Counseling Services and information about fees and payment policies upon request.
    • To voice concerns and/or recommend changes in policies and services.

Patient/Client Responsibilities:

    • To provide, to the best of your ability, accurate and complete information needed to assure your proper evaluation and treatment.
    • To follow treatment plans recommended by your provider and to ask questions or discuss concerns with the provider when you do not understand or agree with the plan of treatment.
    • To be respectful, cooperative, and considerate of other patients/clients, Student Health and Counseling Services staff and facility.
    • To follow appropriate rules and regulations.
    • To keep appointments reliably and promptly.
    • To cancel appointments only when absolutely necessary and far enough in advance so that other patients/clients might utilize the time.
    • To fulfill financial obligations for your care in a timely manner.
    • To be familiar with your health insurance coverage and provide information necessary for appropriate provider referral, if needed.
    • To accept consequences as a result of your actions.
Treatment of Minors

Except in a few instances (for example, treatment related to sexually transmitted diseases, drug or alcohol abuse, or emergencies), the State of Tennessee requires that a person be 18 years of age before he/she can receive medical treatment without the consent of a parent or guardian. It is often difficult to reach a parent or guardian to obtain consent each time that a student under 18 requires treatment, and it can be frustrating for the minor student awaiting treatment. Therefore, parents/guardians are given an opportunity to provide the information to facilitate treatment should a need arise by completing this form.

 

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