1997-98
Rules, Regulations, and Policies

Questions or more detailed information regarding the following Health Service rules, regulations, and policies may be obtained in West Hall from Don Smith, Health Service and Counseling Director, or Ruth Schaefer, R.N., CNP, Coordinator of Nursing Services. The policies were updated on (July 1, 1997). They replace all previous policies and are official for the school year, pending approval of the Health Service Council.

Section
08:01 Student Health Clinic Location and Coverage.
08:02 Requirements of Students.
08:03 Special Services.
08:04 Services to be Paid by Student.
08:05 Services not Provided.
08:06 Student Health Clinic and Counseling Policies.

08:01 Service Clinic Location and Coverage.

08:01:01 The Student Health Clinic is located on the second floor of West Hall, and can be reached at telephone number 688-5588 (appointments) or 688-4157 (administrative information & insurance). The Counseling Center is located on first floor, West Hall and can be reached by calling 688-6146.

08:01:02 During the regular school year, the Student Health Clinic is open each weekday for SDSU students from 8:00 am to 5:00 PM, and is staffed by a full-time licensed physician, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, pharmacist, medical technologist, and administrative personnel each day school is in session. Services are provided by appointments, which are scheduled by calling 688-5588. Primary effort must be directed to the ill and injured; other consultations and optional procedures will be provided within our capacity. Non-student dependents of enrolled students are eligible for limited services by appointment and payment of office call charge. Student Health Clinic is not available to employees of the university, except for emergency aid.
Counseling Services are open and staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 PM, each day and appointments are scheduled by calling 688-6146.

08:01:03 After 5:00 PM, and during those times of the semester when Student Health Clinic is closed, (Weekends and Holidays), any student needing immediate medical care can be seen at the Brookings Hospital or at another facility of his/her choice. Medical consultation is available when Health Service is closed by calling 688-6555. All charges incurred by students at other medical facilities are the sole responsibility of the student or his/her health insurance plan. Counseling assistance is available through an on-call system of staff counselors rotating after-hours shifts for emergency/crisis response. Counseling assistance is also available at the East Central Mental Health Center or from private providers at the student’s expense.

08:01:04 Laboratory services are provided at the Student Health Clinic on a cost recovery basis. Procedures will be charged to the student.

08:01:05 Immunizations are provided for a minimal fee. Allergy injections are also provided for a fee. Students will be informed of the policies regarding the administration of allergy vaccine on their first visit. Students must furnish their own allergy vaccine which may be stored at the Student Health Clinic.

08:01:06 The Student Health Clinic maintains an infirmary providing limited in-patient intermediate bed care, at no charge, 8:00am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday each day school is in session during the regular academic year.

08:02 Requirements of Students

08:02:01 Board of Regents Requirements: The form "Immunization Record and Medical History" must be submitted to the Student Health Clinic. Due to regulations mandated by the Board of Regents, medically signed proof of TWO properly administered immunizations OR medical proof of immunity for Measles (Rubeola) and Rubella are now required for all new, re-admit and transfer students at all State Institutions. Anyone born before January 1, 1957, is exempt from this requirement.

A STUDENT BORN IN 1957 OR LATER WHO FAILS TO PROVIDE SATISFACTORY DOCUMENTATION OF HIS/HER IMMUNE STATUS SHALL NOT BE PERMITTED TO REGISTER FOR OR ATTEND CLASSES. An institution's president or the president's designee may grant an extension of the deadline for an amount of time determined necessary. In no case may the extension be longer than one semester. Board of Regents Policy 2:3-4.

08:02:02 Student Health Clinic Requirements. To be entitled to health services, a student must fulfill specified requirements. Except in the case of an emergency, the Student Health Clinic will not provide service or be responsible for any services to students who do not meet the following obligations:

08:02:02:01 Payment of the student University Activity Fee each semester as established;

08:02:02:02 Payment of established office call charge for non-student dependents of students.

08:02:02:03 Payment of office call charge established for the summer session to provide services to non-enrolled patients who were students in the last spring semester.

08:02:02:04 Submission of the required medical history/immunization record form;

08:02:02:05 Payment of all Health Service related bills;

08:02:02:06 Students are urged to provide supplemental insurance for x-ray, laboratory fees, hospitalization, surgical and emergency service costs (see 08:03:06).

08:03 Special Services

08:03:01 Off-Campus Coverage. For those students enrolled in regularly scheduled off-campus classes, field laboratory experiences, or internships, who have paid the University Activity Fee, arrangements may be made through the faculty supervisor to have a portion of the medical care costs covered by the Student Health Clinic's schedule of off-campus benefits. Inquire at the Student Health Clinic for further information.

08:03:02 Pharmacy. Student Health Clinic maintains a Pharmacy in West Hall where prescriptions issued by the Student Health Clinic or other physicians may be filled. The Pharmacy is open scheduled hours Monday through Friday during the regular academic year, and is staffed by a registered pharmacist. A charge covering the cost of supplies and services is made to the student.

08:03:03 Health Education. As a part of a comprehensive health program, Student Health Services includes a Health Educator position committed to the development and delivery of health education/awareness programs for SDSU students and faculty/staff. It is also intended that the programs addressing awareness of health hazards will emphasize prevention practices in a clear, concise and approved manner. The health education program includes the training of student peer educators as a major program delivery method for the programs specifically for students. A majority of the current peer educator programs are focused on the awareness, prevention, and response to sexual assault and date rape. This naturally extends into issues of alcohol abuse and STD's including HIV and AIDS. The Health Educator networks closely with community agencies in providing direct response and assistance to victims of sexual assault and rape.

Interested persons may call 688-4312 for a confidential appointment.


SDSU, through the departments of Student Health and Counseling, provides to students and staff, alcohol/drug abuse information, education/prevention programs, alcohol/drug assessment services, plus counseling and referral for same.

08:03:04 Nutrition Counseling/Consultation - Nutritional Counseling/Consultation is available by appointment on a limited basis at no cost to the student.

08:03:05 Fee-for-Service Physical - The Student Health Clinic offers a limited fee-for-service program that includes routine physical for men and women (including GYN exams). The service is offered on an appointment basis, as time is available. The Student Health Clinic reserves the right to reschedule fee-for-service appointments as the need arises. The cost of a physical will vary according to procedures required and lab tests performed. More specific information will be provided upon request.

08:03:06 Mental Health - recognizing that good mental and physical health are interdependent, the Student Health Clinic works closely with the SDSU Counseling Center located in West Hall. Individual counseling and specific groups are available to students at no cost. Full confidentiality is assured. The supplemental health insurance provides limited mental health coverage to students when referred by SDSU physicians/NPs or Counseling Center staff to outside providers.

08:03:07 Supplemental Health Insurance. Realizing that the Student Health Clinic cannot meet all possible student health care needs, SDSU students are strongly urged to provide some form of hospital-medical-surgical insurance to supplement Student Health Clinic benefits. The Board of Regents (BOR) offers a supplemental health insurance program for an additional fee. The program is specifically designed for students and provides, within the limits of the policy, hospitalization, maternity, surgery, nursing care, lab, x-ray, accidents, physical therapy, ambulance, and mental health coverage.

Supplemental insurance enrollment is to be done at the beginning of each semester in order to receive maximum benefit. Spouse and dependent coverage is available and must be paid at registration. International students plus any dependents residing with said students are required to carry the BOR insurance plan: (08:06:05:02). Student Health Clinic will enroll students in the insurance program, and provide the most current information available in response to inquiries. Student Health Clinic cannot speak for the insurance company or bind the insurance company in those decisions pertaining to extent of coverage or acceptance of claims which are the sole decision of the insurance company. For more insurance details, please obtain a brochure from the Student Health Clinic.

08:04 Services to be Paid by Student.

The Student Health Clinic is funded by Student University Activity Fees. Increasing operating costs make it necessary to charge on a cost recovery basis for some services, including:
Immunizations and injections including allergy injections
Routine physical examinations
Pharmacy
Optional procedures
X-rays
Laboratory tests
Suturing -dressing change
Orthopedic equipment
Limited service to non-student dependents of enrolled students
Services during the summer session to non-students who where were enrolled in the previous semester
Other services not defined as being covered.

08:05 Services not Provided.

The services available at the Student Health Clinic and Counseling Center include ambulatory care for virtually any general medical problem (or referral for same), limited infirmary care, gynecological and contraceptive services, mental health coverage, and emergency care. However, because of fiscal limitations, the Student Health Clinic cannot be all things to all students, and for that reason assumes no financial responsibility for the following services. Many of these are provided under the BOR supplemental insurance policy.

1. Hospitalization 7. Maternity or prenatal care
2. Dental Care 8. Drugs and medicines
3. Special duty nurses 9. Ophthalmology services
4. Chiropractic care 10. Charges incurred at other medical
facilities
5. Special services 11. Psychiatric services
6. Surgery 12. Emergency Room Services



08:06 Student Health Clinic and Counseling policies

08:06:01 Student Rights and Responsibilities.

08:06:01:01 Rights. It is the policy of South Dakota State University Student Health Clinic and Counseling Center to promote the interests and well-being of its students, and to respect every student's civil and religious liberties. It is also Student Health Clinic and Counseling Center policy that these rights shall be respected and that no student may be required to waive his/her rights as a condition of obtaining care at the Student Health Clinic and Counseling Center.

08:06:01:01:01 The university will in no way interfere with the rights of the student to employ, on his/her own responsibility and cost, a physician, surgeon or counselor of the student's choice.

08:06:01:01:02 The student has the right to considerate and respectful care.

08:06:01:01:03 The student has the right to obtain from the counselor or physician/NP complete, current information about his/her diagnosis/treatment.

08:06:01:01:04 The student has the right to receive from the counselor or physician/NP information necessary to give informed consent prior to the start of any procedure and/or treatment.

08:06:01:01:05 The student has the right to refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law, and to be informed of the medical consequences of such action.

08:06:01:01:06 The student has the right to every consideration of privacy concerning his/her own health care program.

08:06:01:01:07 The student has the right to expect that all communications and records pertaining to his/her care will be treated as confidential.

08:06:01:01:08 The student has the right to expect that, within its ability to deliver, the Student Health Clinic and Counseling Center will make reasonable response to the student's request for services.

08:06:01:01:09 The student has the right to obtain information as to the relationship of the Student Health Clinic and Counseling Center to other health care and educational institutions, insofar as his/her care is concerned.

08:06:01:01:10 The student has the right to be advised if the Student Health Clinic proposes to engage in or perform human experimentation affecting his/her care and treatment, and has the right to refuse to participate in such research projects.

08:06:01:01:11 The student has the right to expect reasonable continuity of care.

08:06:01:01:12 The student has the right to examine and receive an explanation of his/her health care costs regardless of the source of payment.

08:06:01:01:13 The student has the right and obligation to know how the Student Health Clinic and Counseling rules, regulations and policies apply to his/her conduct as a patient.

08:06:01:02 Responsibilities. Students have responsibilities as well as rights. Students can help themselves by being responsible in the following ways:

08:06:01:02:01 Every student shall have the responsibility to treat the Student Health Clinic and Counseling Staff with respect, consideration and dignity.

08:06:01:02:02 Every student is responsible for being honest and direct about anything related to his/her care.

08:06:01:02:03 Every student is responsible for understanding his/her health problems. If a student does not understand his/her treatment, it is the student's responsibility to ask the health care professionals about it.

08:06:01:02:04 Every student is responsible to tell health care professionals whether (s)he can and wants to follow a certain treatment plan.

08:06:01:02:05 Every student is responsible to tell his/her health care professional about any changes in his/her health.

08:06:01:02:06 Every student is responsible for keeping appointments (when scheduled). If a student cannot keep an appointment, it is his/her responsibility to notify the Student Health Clinic or Counseling Center as early as possible so that another student can be scheduled.

08:06:01:02:07 Every student is responsible to know the names of medication (s)he has been taking, as well as their purposes.

08:06:01:02:08 Every student is responsible to support financially and otherwise the Student Health Clinic and Counseling Programs, especially those services and requirements, preventive and therapeutic, provided for the care of individual students and the health of the university community.

08:06:02 Confidentiality. Confidentiality in all matters is of extreme importance to the Student Health Clinic and Counseling staff. Except where the law requires, or in life threatening situations, NO medical information is released to anyone without the student's written permission. Such information is not released to university administrators, faculty, or parents. Without reservation, a student can expect from the Student Health Clinic or Counseling Center the same professional confidentiality and respect which is received from his/her family physician or counselor. ( Immunization records are excluded from this policy)

08:06:03 Access to Student Medical/Counseling Records. All student medical, including counseling, records are only open and available for review by that student, in a confidential manner. A student may request all or part of medical records sent to a designated person/agency upon written request and payment of a copying charge. Direct access by the student to certain parts of his/her medical, including counseling, record can be denied only in the following cases:

08:06:03:01 Where such information might be deleterious to the health and welfare of the student, or,

08:06:03:02 Where such information would violate confidential medical relationships, or,

08:06:03:03 Where, in the case of a minor, the family has requested that information be withheld from the student.

The authority to deny full or partial access to Health records shall be invested in a committee of health professionals composed of the Director of Counseling, Head of Clinical Medicine, Student Health Clinic Administrator, and the Psychiatric consultant or his designee. The student must request access to his/her record by filing a written request with the Student Health Clinic and Counseling Administrator. The committee shall meet and review the record and respond to the student within thirty (30) days of the student's request. When permission is granted for the student to review the medical/psychiatric/counseling record, such review shall take place in the presence of a member of the committee, or a qualified health professional so designated by the committee, who can interpret and explain notations found in the record. It is important that such a review ensure complete understanding of medical terminology and relative significance of notations.

The Student Health Clinic shall continue to have the right to release information without the express authorization of the student only when required by South Dakota State law.

08:06:04 Medical Excuse from Class Attendance. Because class attendance is totally a matter between the student and instructor, the Student Health Clinic does not provide excuses from class except during final exam periods provided the student was treated at the Student Health Clinic for a health condition causing need for class absence. In such case, a written excuse will be provided by Student Health Clinic. The student must report to the Student Health Clinic at the time of illness/injury. If Student Health is closed the student should seek care/treatment and report to Student Health as soon as possible.

08:06:05 International Students.

08:06:05:01 International students must submit the same medical history and immunization form as submitted by all SDSU students. The immunization form must be signed by a health care provider and registration for classes at SDSU will not be approved without it.

08:06:05:02 International students are required to enroll in the BOR approved Supplemental Health Insurance Program as a condition of admission and continuing enrollment. Spouses and dependents of international students must also be covered by the Supplemental Health Insurance Policy.

08:06:05:03 After arriving at SDSU, the student must report as requested to the Student Health Clinic for a tuberculin skin test or chest x-ray, or both, if needed. Immunizations will also be given as needed. Determination of needed tests, x-rays and immunizations will be made by a Student Health Clinic Physician. The cost of the chest x-ray may be partially reimbursed by State Department of Health or the insurance program, but all remaining charges for skin tests, x-rays, and immunizations will be at the student's own expense. Failure to comply with the above will necessitate administrative withdrawal from the University.

08:06:05:04 Required payment of the student University Activity Fee each semester as established.

08:06:06 Food Service/Housing Exemption for Medical Reasons. All students requesting medical release from housing/food service contracts must submit said request in writing to the Associate Director of Residential Life along with sufficient medical information to substantiate their claim for exemption. In the absence of sufficient medical information the student will be required to undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation by participating in the fee-for-service physical exam program at the Student Health Clinic. Cost of the physical will vary according to procedures required and lab tests performed, and payment must be made at the time of the exam. After medical evaluation, including medication and nutritional consultation, a recommendation will be submitted to housing and/or food service personnel. A copy of all relevant communications will be transmitted to the student. The burden of proof is on the student to provide medical proof of need for exemption. Student Health Clinic personnel cannot exempt. They confirm/substantiate medical facts and provide recommendations to housing and/or food service personnel who have responsibility for approving or denying such exemptions.

08:06:07 Hospital Usage. The University will, in no way, interfere with the student's choice to use another health care facility such as the Brookings Hospital or Brookings Medical Clinic. However, it is important for the student to know that there are procedures set up regarding delivery of services to SDSU students at the Brookings Hospital. These procedures are for the student's benefit and have been carefully worked out over a period of time.

08:06:07:01 The Brookings Hospital emergency room is ordinarily used by SDSU students when the Student Health Clinic is closed. All charges incurred are the sole responsibility of the student or his/her health insurance plan.

08:06:07:02 If an SDSU student reports to the ER anytime the Student Health Clinic is open (8:00 am - 5:00 pm weekdays when school is in session) the ER Nurse will advise the student that the Student Health Clinic is open and they may return to Student Health Clinic if appropriate.

If the student reports to the ER when Student Health Clinic is closed, the ER Nurse will contact the Brookings Medical Clinic on-call physician.

08:06:07:03 All hospital and clinic charges will be sent to the student. The student or his/her health insurance plan is solely responsible for payment of all bills incurred.

08:06:08 Student Health Clinic Usage Other Than During the Regular Academic Year.

08:06:08:01 During those times of the year that school is not in session the Student Health Clinic and Counseling Center are not obligated to provide health care coverage.

08:06:08:02 During the Summer School Session the following Student Health Clinic coverage is in effect for students registered in Summer Session and paying the student University Activity Fee. Students who attended SDSU in Spring Semester and planning to return in the fall are also considered eligible to receive care for an established office call charge.

A. The Student Health Clinic is open during normal University office hours but medical coverage in only available on a limited daily basis.

B. The Brookings Hospital emergency room is ordinarily used by SDSU students when the Student Health Clinic is closed. All charges incurred are the sole responsibility of the student or his/her health insurance plan.

C. Counseling Center is open during the summer, with reduced staff coverage.

08:06:09 Allergy Vaccine Injections on a fee-for-service basis. All students receiving allergy vaccine injections at the Student Health Clinic should be aware of the following policy:

08:06:09:01 Allergy shots will only be provided between 8:30 A.M. and 11:30 A.M. and between 1:30 P.M. and 4:00 P.M. M-F when a physician is present.

08:06:09:02 Students must furnish the vaccine and complete instructions from their own physician. Students are urged to keep their vaccine cold or to leave it at Student Health Clinic for storage.

08:06:09:03 Students are required to remain 20 minutes at the Student Health Clinic following administration of the vaccine. This is due to the fact that severe allergic reactions are always possible in spite of a history of no previous reactions. Students need to make allowances for this waiting time when coming for their regular injection. Students must check out with a nurse before leaving.

08:06:09:04 Students are urged to come at a time when they will not be leaving town for 4-6 hours after receiving vaccine in case of a delayed reaction. It is for this reason that Friday afternoons are not recommended.

08:06:09:05 The Student Health Clinic reserves the right to refuse allergy vaccine injections when a Student Health Clinic physician is not in attendance or when a student refuses to comply with these instructions.

08:06:09:06 There is a minimal charge for administration of the vaccine.


08:06:10 Loan of Equipment. Certain support items, such as crutches, canes, heating pads, etc., are issued to patients paying the established deposit fee which will be reimbursed when the item is returned. There is no charge for these unless the item is not returned in good condition within an agreed upon time frame.

08:06:11 Student Health Clinic Costs.

08:06:11:01 The Student Health Clinic reserves the right to adjust the costs of tests and services during the year as current health care costs increase or decrease.

08:06:11:02 The Student Health Clinic reserves the right to collect unpaid bills or unreturned equipment charges from the student's general deposit at the end of each semester.

08:06:12 Retention and Preservation of Student Health Service Medical Records. It is the policy of the Student Health Clinic to keep Student Medical Records until a student has been out of school for two consecutive years and no entries have been made in the medical record for five consecutive years. When both conditions are met the entire record is to be destroyed with the exception of any immunizations given by Student Health. (Federal regulations require such records to be maintained for 10 years)

08:06:13 Retention & Preservation of Counseling Center Records. It is the policy of the Counseling Center to keep student records in locked files for 5 years following the last appointment. At the conclusion of this time, records are destroyed. Access to records is found in section 8:06:03.


Revised: August 1999